The Joint Commission – an independent organization that evaluates and accredits health care facilities nationwide – has awarded its seal of approval to UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital following a recent rigorous, unannounced on-site visit.

With 87 inpatient beds and room to grow, the six-story hospital – which opened June 18 – features a birth center including C-section operating rooms and Level III NICU, 18-bed intensive care unit, eight operating rooms, a Level III trauma center and emergency department, advanced cardiac services and complete imaging capabilities including 3D mammography and PET/CT. The adjoining UCHealth Highlands Ranch Medical Center houses a two-story cancer center with advanced oncology services.

“Accreditation by The Joint Commission is a key milestone that demonstrates our commitment to patient safety and quality care,” said Highlands Ranch Hospital President Diane Cookson. “This accreditation underscore our staff’s emphasis on both experience and the highest standards of care for our patients.”

During the review by The Joint Commission, a surveyor evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The surveyor also conducted on-site observations and interviews.

The Joint Commission’s accreditation qualifies the hospital to participate in the Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare programs. It also is a key step to finalize coverage agreements with other insurance providers.

The accreditation survey came just as the hospital was closing in on its first month of caring for patients. In that time – from June 18 to July 17:

• 27 babies were born at the hospital.
• 564 people were cared for in the emergency department.
• 124 patients were admitted to the hospital for care.
• 68 surgeries were performed.

“Patients at our new hospital are receiving the very best and most advanced care, thanks in part to our affiliation with University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Colorado Hospital,” said UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Purcell, who is also the associate director for clinical services at the CU Cancer Center. “It is our goal that patients in our community will be able to receive many of these advanced treatments without having to travel to the Anschutz Medical Campus.”

Additional services not previously offered in this community that patients may now receive here include breast care, advanced cardiac services including cath lab, interventional radiology and electrophysiology, 24-hour retail pharmacy and laboratory, spine care, orthopedic care, and neurosciences including telestroke.

Approximately 400 employees are on staff to care for patients, guests and the facility. They are joined by 700 more physicians and other providers, as UCHealth partners with community physicians and the University of Colorado School of Medicine to provide care at the new hospital.