Hackensack University Medical Center is the First in the United States to Earn Joint Commission Certification for its Kidney Cancer Program

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has earned Joint Commission Certification for its Kidney Cancer Program -- the first and only disease-specific certification of its kind in the United States.

"I want to congratulate our team members on a perfect review," said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, president of Hackensack University Medical Center. "This first-of-its-kind recognition is a reflection of their dedication to providing the highest quality, human-centered care."

This certification raises Hackensack University Medical Center's total number of certified programs to 24 Gold Seals of Approval™, more than any other hospital in the country.

The Joint Commission team reviewed inpatient and outpatient areas as well as data specific to the program, including provider and team member files, which were assessed for current disease-specific competency and education. Surveyors commended team members for: interdisciplinary involvement, research and strong leadership, as well as nurse navigator and social worker follow up, and patient education. Patients said: I will always come here, I am able to feel good again, and everyone is caring and fantastic.

"This disease-specific certification illustrates our multidisciplinary approach to the best practice management and treatment of kidney cancer," said Michael Stifelman, M.D., chair of Urology and director of Robotic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. "More than 85 percent of our patients with kidney cancer, who require surgery, are provided the latest minimally invasive robotic technique that removes the tumor and saves the kidney, with most returning home within 48 hours. For patients with more advanced disease, we provide a team approach with access to the latest clinical trials."

Key focus areas included: optimal and appropriate post-operative pain management; documented and standardized best practice discharge instructions; documented electronic medical record care plans; and optimized communication to streamline patient care.

The mission of the Kidney Cancer Program at Hackensack University Medical Center is to deliver extraordinary care that is multidisciplinary, personalized and innovative, with superior outcomes to the most satisfied patients. The team includes physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and social workers, all dedicated to providing exceptional treatment.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

The Joint Commission mission is to improve health care for the public by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county's first hospital, it is now part of one of the largest networks in the state comprised of 33,000 team members and more than 6,500 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report's 2017-18 Best Hospital rankings - maintaining its place atop the NJ rankings since the rating system was introduced. It was also named one of the top four New York Metro Area hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Becker's Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2018. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 24 Gold Seals of Approval™ by The Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women's and Children's Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women's Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guide's list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to The Northern Trust PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Children's Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital. To learn more, visit www.HackensackUMC.org.