SITKA – The SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital (MEH) Laboratory recently had its biennial inspection by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). After two days of inspection by a professional analyst, the results of Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital’s 2017 CAP inspection was once again nearly perfect.
The Laboratory excelled in all areas with the inspector finding no deficiencies in crucial areas of testing, including microbiology, blood banking, and laboratory leadership. At the end of his assessment, the CAP inspector remarked on the excellent level of performance demonstrated by the Laboratory, which as a professional inspector with many years of experience, he considered unprecedented.
Considered the gold standard of Laboratory Accreditation across the country, the Federal Government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as equal to, or more stringent than their own inspection program. Based on rigorous accreditation standards, CAP is an internationally recognized program and the only one of its kind using teams of practicing laboratory professionals as inspectors, going well beyond regulatory compliance. These strict standards help laboratories achieve the highest levels of excellence, which, in turn, positively impact patient care. Inspections occur every two years and determine the overall accreditation status of the laboratory.
SEARHC’s Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital Laboratory is overseen by SEARHC Director of Laboratories, Constance Stager, MT, MBA, and pathologist, James Tiesinga, MD. Ms. Stager attributes her department’s stellar performance to strong collaborative relationships and a high level of respect that exists between the laboratory and the medical staff, nursing, surgical services, administration and other MEH departments and SEARHC clinics.
“The Lab’s achievement reflects the strong spirit of teamwork found at SEARHC,” Ms. Stager said. “We are grateful to our dedicated team of Laboratory professionals, the strong support we receive from SEARHC Administration, and our incredible health care providers for making this success possible.”
Dr. Tiesinga added, “The results of this inspection demonstrate SEARHC’s emphasis on achieving the highest quality in all aspects of health care.”