Rush-Copley Named First in Nation to Earn Certification for Childbirth and Infant Programs

(August 21, 2009) –  Rush-Copley Medical Center was recognized for the second consecutive year as the only hospital in the country to receive National Quality Approval by the Joint Commission for two programs—Maternal/Child and High-Risk Neonatal Care. This recognition means patients with high-risk pregnancies or medically fragile babies can rely on receiving the highest level of care.

“To receive this recognition again validates Rush-Copley’s ongoing commitment to incorporating quality initiatives and safe patient practices into all aspects of the care we provide,” said Barry C. Finn, president and CEO of Rush-Copley. “Being the first and only hospital in the country to again earn National Quality Approval for our childbirth and neonatal services care is especially gratifying and should provide additional peace of mind to the thousands of parents who choose Rush-Copley for their care.” 

During a recent survey, the Joint Commission, an independent, national accrediting agency performed evaluations using stringent criteria. The results of the study earned Rush-Copley National Quality Approval, which includes high performance in the following patient safety and quality measures:
 - Improved communication among caregivers
 - Reduced risk for infection
 - Better medication coordination
 - Better patient education

Rush-Copley offers the only Level III perinatal program—the highest level of care available for high-risk pregnancies and medically fragile infants—in Kane County and the greater Fox Valley area. The medical center also has over 4,000 births annually, making it among the largest childbirth centers in the state. For more information about the National Quality Approval certification from the Joint Commission please visit rushcopley.com or jointcommission.org.

About Rush-Copley
Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL, is a 193-bed hospital providing health and wellness services to the greater Fox Valley community. Nearly 500 physicians and over 1,500 clinical and professional staff members provide advanced medicine and extraordinary care to patients.  Rush-Copley is a member of the Rush-System for Health.

About The Joint Commission
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 nearly 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. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. In addition, the Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about the Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org