The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization widely recognized for its leadership role in developing standards and measures focused on improving the quality and safety of care provided by healthcare organizations. Accreditation by The Joint Commission is a comprehensive process and is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality and commitment to rigorous performance standards.

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and Safety, South Shore Mental Health Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval. "Achieving accreditation demonstrates South Shore Mental Health Center's commitment to provide safe, client-focused care, treatment and services" says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., Executive Director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission's unannounced inspections take place every three years and are an exhaustive multi-day on-site scrutiny of every aspect of client care. The most recent inspection, in November of 2007, included an intense focus on patient safety. The surveyor found that South Shore Mental Health Center adhered and in many areas exceeded the rigorous performance standards and National Patient Safety Goals. South Shore achieved a full 3-year accreditaton status. The areas where the surveyors found opportunities for improvement were welcomed information as helpful to our ongoing quality improvement.

Wm. Michael Johnson, President and CEO of South Shore Mental Health Center, says that accreditation shows that "we make a significant investment in quality on day-to-day basis from the top down. We voluntarily seek accreditation because we want to be the best, and we view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence." Mr. Johnson notes that accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication among all staff members. "Everyone at South Shore Mental Health Center plays a vital role in working to meet the standards. If gives the staff a feeling of pride and prestige to work in a nationally recognized and accredited organization," says Mr. Johnson.

South Shore Mental Health Center will continue to participate in The Joint Commission accreditation process as one more way to identify opportunities for improvement and to help continue to provide safe, high-quality care, treatment and service.