Hospice, Inc. Receives Exceptional Review from Joint Commission

Tue Feb 2, 2010

In mid-January Hospice, Inc. received an unannounced, three-day survey by The Joint Commission -- a national health care certification commission. Hospice, Inc. is a healthcare agency which provides comprehensive medical care and symptom management to patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses in Dutchess and Ulster counties, as well as support to their families. Hospice, Inc.’s mission is “To affirm the cycle of life by enhancing the quality of living for those at the end of life.” By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Hospice, Inc. has, once again, earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Rich Trocino, President and CEO of the agency said, “Our mission is carried out by a team of dedicated, skilled and compassionate care givers, medical directors, volunteers and staff.  Hospice, Inc.’s interdisciplinary team demonstrates excellence in patient care and family support, everyday. Without these “angels” - as they are commonly referred to by our patients and families - we could not carry out the hospice philosophy.  In addition to our patient care services, there are individuals behind the scenes making contributions daily who complete the Hospice team. These individuals include our financial, admissions, human relations, administrative, management departments and governing board who go the extra mile and allow our organization to thrive under these difficult and uncertain economic times in the healthcare industry. Hospice, Inc. would not have been able to achieve this impeccable accreditation without every committed individual working in full synchronicity. The result of this survey reinforces, that at Hospice, Inc. we are making every moment count.” 

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. In addition, as an independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.