Good Samaritan Medical Center today announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease Specific Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, becoming the first in the greater Brockton community to pursue and receive this distinguished recognition of superior orthopedic care. Good Samaritan Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review on November 29, 2017 with The Joint Commission to evaluate compliance with disease-specific care standards and total hip and total knee replacement requirements, including orthopedic consultation, pre-operative, intraoperative and post-surgical orthopedic care. 

 

"Good Samaritan Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients in need of total knee or hip replacement surgery,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. “We commend Good Samaritan Medical Center for becoming a leader in joint replacement surgery, potentially providing a higher standard of service for patients with knee and hip pain in its community.” 

 

Good Samaritan’s Center for Orthopedic Excellence is home to a team of advanced providers with expertise across the numerous orthopedic surgery disciplines, an attribute that has become a keystone of the program which has led to its reputation for high-quality, exceptional patient care.  “This is due in very large part to the dedication of our surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospital staff, and home care partners who have worked together to provide a high-level program that is resulting in exceptional patient outcomes for our patients,” said Richard Tetrault, Program Director, Center for Orthopedic Excellence.

 

Established in 2016 and awarded for a two-year period, the certification was developed in response to the growing number of patients undergoing a total hip or total knee replacement surgery, as well as the increased focus on clinical evidence-based patient care as it relates to pain management, quality of life issues, functional limitation in mobility, and the return to normal daily activities. As such, Good Samaritan’s program offers rapid rehabilitation which includes pain management tailored to each patient, same day mobilization and, when possible, discharge direct to home – all of which contribute to shorter patient recovery times. 

 

The orthopedic clinical team includes board-certified surgeons and anesthesiologists, registered nurses specializing in orthopedics, and experienced physical and occupational therapists. Patients and families participate in a pre-surgical education class to prepare for their surgical experience and are guided through the surgical planning and rehab process by an orthopedic nurse navigator dedicated to assisting joint replacement patients. 

 

In addition to knee and hip replacement, the center’s orthopedic specialties include arthroscopic surgery, hand surgery, surgical and non-surgical sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, arm and shoulder surgery, spine surgery, and general orthopedics. Together, a staff of 10 expertly trained orthopedic surgeons perform more than 3,000 orthopedic procedures annually at the hospital and its outpatient surgery center located in North Easton. 

 

In addition to earning the Gold Seal for joint replacement, Good Samaritan Medical Center has earned related recognitions for programmatic excellence and superior quality of care, including being a Blue Distinction Center Plus for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross Blue Shield.