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

Jane and John Justin Tower, Texas Health Fort Worth

“This national recognition has been achieved for the second consecutive time, and it’s not taken lightly,” said Olaide Ajayi, M.D., a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon with Texas Health Physicians Group* who is on the Texas Health Fort Worth medical staff. “An advanced certification in spine surgery recognizes Texas Health Fort Worth’s dedication to providing compassionate and customized care to every patient, every time,” he said.

Ajayi, who also serves as the Spine Program medical director, said the 36-bed neurosurgery unit enables the care team to thoroughly evaluate and empower patients with resources focusing on physical and respiratory therapy, care transition management and customized dietary plans.

“Striving toward excellence, and doing it consistently, can be challenging, but when it comes to improving the health of Tarrant County residents, it makes the extra effort worthwhile,” added Ajayi.

The ACSS certification, which is offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, assists organizations with consistent communication — from presurgical consultation to surgery, rehabilitation services and follow-up visits with the surgeon.

Currently, Texas Health Fort Worth is one of three hospitals in Texas to earn the ACSS certification; the other facilities are in Corpus Christi and Tyler.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 1.2 million spinal surgeries are preformed nationally each year. Surgeons on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth perform close to 800 spinal surgeries annually.

By providing high-acuity neuroscience services, which include complex spine procedures, it’s gratifying to know that the needs of North Texans are continuously being met, said Jared Shelton, FACHE, hospital president.

“Spinal conditions and other ailments might jeopardize a patient’s well-being, but Texas Health Fort Worth is dedicated to providing compassionate care so that every individual can get back to enjoying life.”

Texas Health Fort Worth underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site review in September. During the two-day visit, a Joint Commission surveyor evaluated patient data, toured the facility, assessed policies and procedures, and reviewed the program’s education and credentialing processes.

To be eligible for the two-year ACSS certification, organizations must participate in the American Spine Registry, a national quality improvement registry for spine care.

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