FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS). The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care and demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.

“This certification highlights and celebrates Texas Health Fort Worth’s commitment to providing an exceptional standard of care to every patient, every time,” said Olaide Ajayi, M.D., a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon on the Texas Health Fort Worth medical staff. A member of Texas Health Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice*, Ajayi also serves as the Spine Program medical director.

The ACSS certification recognizes the work of surgeons and physician assistants on the medical staff, nurses and nurse practitioners, along with the hospital’s pre-assessment center.

Located on the eighth floor of the newly constructed Jane and John Justin Tower, the 36-bed Neurosurgery unit thoroughly evaluates and empowers patients with resources focusing on physical and respiratory therapy, care transition management and customized dietary plans.

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, helps organizations provide consistent communication and collaboration among healthcare disciplines involved in the patient’s care — from pre-surgical consultation to surgery to rehabilitation services to follow-up visits with the surgeon.

Texas Health Fort Worth is just the second hospital in Texas to earn Advanced Spine Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission; the other facility is in Corpus Christi. The hospital’s ACSS certification also comes just a few months after it received the prestigious Neurotrauma Certification from The Joint Commission.

“Our hospital is the first in the nation to have this highest level of Neurotrauma Certification, which means that Texas Health Fort Worth takes care of the most complex trauma involving the brain and the spine, too,” Ajayi said.

Joseph DeLeon, president, Texas Health Fort Worth, praised the staff’s certification efforts and what they mean for patients and the North Texas region.

“Both certifications recognize our commitment to providing high-acuity neuroscience services throughout North Texas. Patients might be hindered by ailments affecting their spine and nervous system, but we’re truly dedicated to providing great care, so that they can get back to enjoying life.”

To earn the two-year certification, Texas Health Fort Worth underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site review in July. During the two-day visit, Ajayi said, a team of Joint Commission reviewers, including an orthopedic surgeon, evaluated patient data, toured the facility, assessed policies and procedures, and reviewed the program’s education and credentialing processes.

To be eligible for ACSS, organizations must participate in the American Spine Registry, a national quality improvement registry for spine care. Additionally, organizations need to collect patient data on surgical site infection rates, new neurological impairments, unplanned return visits to the operating room and patient feedback before and after procedures.

To learn how Texas Health is advancing neurological care throughout North Texas, click here.

*Physicians employed by Texas Health Physician Group practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals.