LONGMONT, Colo. (Oct. 11, 2017) – The Joint Commission – an independent organization that evaluates and accredits health care facilities nationwide – has awarded its seal of approval to UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital following a recent rigorous, unannounced on-site visit.
The 210,000-square-foot hospital at 1750 E. Ken Pratt Blvd. in Longmont officially opened Aug. 31 and already has cared for more than 800 patients. The 51-bed hospital features an intensive care unit, four operating rooms, a Level III trauma center and emergency department, an enhanced birth center with a Level II special care nursery as well as 24-hour retail pharmacy, laboratory and imaging services.
“The Joint Commission accreditation is a key milestone that shows we are meeting or exceeding all of the standards to provide the safest patient care environment,” said Longs Peak Hospital President and CEO Dan Robinson. “Many people have been working hard to get every detail in place to ensure we are offering our community and our patients the very best care. We are proud to deliver amazing care and an extraordinary patient experience each and every day.”
During the review by The Joint Commission, a team of expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. They 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 announcement came just as Longs Peak Hospital closed in on its first full month of operations. In that time – from Aug. 31 through midnight Sept. 30:
- 47 babies were born.
- 708 people were cared for in the emergency department.
- 135 patients were admitted to the hospital for care.
- 65 surgeries were performed.
“The outpouring of support from the community since we announced our plans to build this hospital has been heartwarming,” Robinson said. “There is an incredible energy here. It has been an exciting first month of caring for our community, and we look forward to being able to provide care for even more patients in the future.”
Approximately 350 employees are on staff to care for patients, guests and the facility. They are joined by more than 370 providers on the medical staff, which includes independent providers from across the Front Range, as well as partners from Longmont Clinic, Carbon Valley Health Center, UCHealth Medical Group and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Last week, the adjoining UCHealth Longs Peak Surgery Center opened as well. The 15,000-square-foot surgery center features three operating rooms, an endoscopy suite and a pre- and post-operation area for patients preparing for and recovering from surgery. Community providers as well as surgeons from Longmont Clinic and University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery will practice at the surgery center.