MESA, Ariz., March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Banner Baywood Medical Center is the first hospital in Arizona to earn certification for Disease-Specific Care in hip fracture management and one of 15 nationwide to receive this distinction. The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ was awarded to Banner Baywood for its compliance with the organization's national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care.

Many older adults are prone to falls that result in hip fractures, which can lead to functional decline, illness, and death. With the population aging and the incidence of hip fractures increasing, Banner Baywood started seeking certification two years ago to better serve this population and recently underwent a rigorous onsite survey. According to the Joint Commission, a certified facility must provide continuous safe, high quality care, treatment and services by identifying opportunities for improvement processes. 

"This achievement is the culmination of an incredible journey and months of hard work on behalf of our patients," said Laura Robertson, CEO of Banner Baywood Medical Center. "Gaining certification highlights our multidisciplinary approach to standardization of care, greater efficiency and, ultimately, better outcomes for the hip fracture population that we serve."

The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. It's one of the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. The organization's Disease-Specific Care Certification Program is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care.

ABOUT Banner Baywood Medical Center
Banner Baywood Medical Center is a 340-bed facility known for its world-class programs in stroke care, oncology, women's health, orthopedics and surgical technologies. The facility opened in 1984 and serves the growing East Valley communities of Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills and areas of northeastern Pinal County. Banner Baywood Medical Center employs more than 1,500 health care professionals and support staff, and has approximately 500 volunteers. The facility boasts a medical staff of more than 800 physicians, including primary care and specialty physicians. Banner Baywood is part of Banner Health, Arizona's largest health care provider.

SOURCE Banner Baywood Medical Center