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

(June 4, 2008) –   Rush-Copley Medical Center is the first 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.

“This achievement demonstrates Rush-Copley’s ongoing commitment toward implementing 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 hospital in the country to earn National Quality Approval for our childbirth and neonatal care is especially gratifying and should provide additional peace of mind to the thousands of parents who choose Rush-Copley.” 

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.