Reading Hospital earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Pediatric Asthma Certification. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

Reading Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site review on May 28 where Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with asthma specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed.

"At Reading Hospital, we pride ourselves on the high-quality care we provide to our youngest patients," said Gregory Sorensen, MD, Tower Health Chief Medical Officer. "Our electronic health records shows that asthma affects more than 5,000 of our pediatric patients and it was important to the team that we demonstrate our expertise in asthma care for the patients and their families we care for."

In April 2012, Reading Hospital adopted a "Pediatric Asthma Severity Score" (PASS), a clinically validated tool that is widely used in pediatric emergency medicine, that is a performed on pediatric patients presenting in the Emergency Department or Inpatient Pediatric Unit with possible asthma attack. The PASS evaluation is performed collaboratively by a member of Respiratory Care and Nursing, and helps set the individual course of treatment for each patient. In addition, an "Asthma Action Plan" that provides simple information and instructions on managing the individual's asthma treatment is prescribed by a physician upon all patient discharges to all pediatric patients treated for asthma. This plan can be used to guide care and treatment at home and is shared with the patient's primary care provider upon discharge. Patients and families are also encouraged to share their personalized Asthma Action Plan with their school nurse.

"Reading Hospital has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for pediatric patients with asthma," said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. "We commend Reading Hospital for becoming a leader in pediatric asthma care, for all pediatric patients in its community."

Established in 2002 and awarded for a two-year period, The Joint Commission's Disease Specific Care Certification evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care and addresses three core areas:

  • Compliance with consensus-based national standards;
  • Effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and
  • An organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

 

About Reading Hospital 

Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians and providers across 46 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for three consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS. For more information, visit www.towerhealth.org. 

About The Joint Commission 

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

About Tower Health

Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.