The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recently granted a three-year renewal recognition for quality and safety to Meadowview Regional Medical Center Endoscopy Unit in Maysville as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States.

The Meadowview Regional Medical Center Endoscopy Unit is one of more than 400 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency.

“We are honored to be recognized once again by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Dr. Donald Weller, gastroenterologist and Sherrie Goodwin, OR director. “Through ongoing education and continued compliance with the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program requirements, we demonstrate our dedication to the delivery of high-quality patient care.”

To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where endoscopy is practiced, including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory endoscopy or surgery centers.

An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit,” that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, successful applicants are awarded ASGE’s Certificate of Recognition of Quality in Endoscopy. The certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period. For a full list of program benefits, log on to www.asge.org.

“We are proud to acknowledge these endoscopy units through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality,” said Glenn Eisen, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, continually assessing the competency of staff, and monitoring patient satisfaction, ASGE-recognized units contribute to the public’s confidence in endoscopy, a life-saving technology.”

ASGE is the profession’s leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The Society continually reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its courses, including “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”

The Endoscopy Unit at Meadowview Regional Medical Center is located in the hospital at 989 Medical Park Drive, Maysville.

For additional information or questions on Gastroenterology services, please contact Dr. Donald Weller’s office at 606-759-5157.