(McLeansboro, IL) - Hamilton Memorial Hospital District (HMHD) is proud to announce that its Laboratory has earned The Joint Commission’s prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® Accreditation, a symbol of excellence that demonstrates the organization’s ongoing dedication to providing high-quality, safe patient care.

The accreditation follows a comprehensive, unannounced onsite review beginning on March 4, by a team of Joint Commission surveyors. During the visit, the team assessed the laboratory’s adherence to rigorous standards in key areas, including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management.

The Joint Commission's accreditation process is rooted in evidence-based standards developed in collaboration with healthcare experts, providers, patients, and scientific literature. This thorough evaluation helps organizations measure, assess, and improve their performance to ensure the highest levels of care for patients. During the onsite review, surveyors also conducted direct observations and interviews.

“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Hamilton Memorial Hospital District for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”

Farrah Boyd, Outpatient Services Director at HMHD, expressed her satisfaction with the accreditation process. "This was a thorough and challenging review that involved not only our laboratory team but all HMHD staff. Our hospital works tirelessly to provide advanced, comprehensive care to our community, and this accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our laboratory professionals," Boyd said.

The HMHD Laboratory is open for outpatient services Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 11 am. Emergency laboratory services are available 24/7. For more information on the laboratory’s services, please visit hmhospital.org/laboratory.