Shaare Zedek Medical Center, the Only Jerusalem Academic Hospital to Achieve JCI Accredited Status, Credited With “Outstanding Performance”
Following an extensive and intensive review process, Shaare Zedek Medical Center has become the city’s first and only academic hospital to receive international accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Independent surveyors from the JCI described Shaare Zedek’s medical activities in exceptionally complimentary terms, stating that the hospital’s medical performance was “outstanding” and far beyond what the reviewers have observed in many hospitals around the world.
Specific praise was offered to the hospital’s attention to the emotional needs of the patient, and areas pertaining to patient rights. The surveyors also spoke extremely highly of the cleaning standards of the facilities and singled out the performance of the maintenance, cleaning and food preparation crews. The review of the surgical complex describes the operating theaters as among the finest in the world with similar comments being afforded to the NICU, laboratory, research and many treatment areas. The surveyors also specifically highlighted the unique dedication of the staff under the leadership of Professor Jonathan Halevy, the Director General, especially given the challenges involved in leading an institution of this size and complexity.
In an emotional ceremony regularly interrupted by applause, a final report was presented to the hospital staff following a five-day review process during which the hospital was tested on over 1,200 different parameters included within the JCI survey. The surveyors said that Shaare Zedek should feel a great deal of pride in their accomplishments and described the hospital processes and staff using words such as “amazing,” “phenomenal” and “incredible.”
Professor Jonathan Halevy, Shaare Zedek’s Director General said that this announcement provides independent recognition that Shaare Zedek operates at the height of international standards, “This accreditation and the extremely high marks and praise we received through this process provide independent validation for what we, and the people of Jerusalem, have long known; that Shaare Zedek represents a gold standard of care combining compassion with advanced medicine…I remain confident that what sets our hospital apart is not only the care we provide every day but the fact that we are able to present the best and most qualified team of medical experts and support staff to meet the needs of our patients.”
The JCI review is regarded as one of the most thorough and significant independent reviews in modern healthcare that ensures that hospitals are promoting high levels of safety and operations. Over 800 hospitals across more than 100 nations have undergone the review. While many Israeli hospitals have been reviewed, Shaare Zedek is the only major academic hospital in the Jerusalem area that has successfully undergone the process.
“This is a major source of professional pride for the Shaare Zedek family and firmly positions us to even further strengthen our status as the fastest growing major hospital here, in Jerusalem…With this recognition, we will continue to attract the finest and most committed doctors and nurses for the betterment of our patients and the Jerusalem and Israel communities,” Professor Halevy shared.
The review involved every aspect of the hospital- both medical and administrative. The process was overseen by Shaare Zedek Deputy Director General Dr. Ofer Merin, who led a dedicated Accreditation
Department directed by Deputy Head Nurse Sarah Goldberg and Hila Shtinboim, all of whom were praised for their efforts in preparing the hospital for the final evaluation.
Professor Halevy, who will soon commemorate his thirtieth anniversary as Director General of Shaare Zedek and is often credited for managing the hospital’s path from a local medical provider to an institution of top international standing, was treated to a lengthy standing ovation from the entire audience.