The orthopedics team at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Joint Replacement, for their total hip and total knee replacement programs. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 

Maine Coast Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review in June. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with hip and knee joint replacement standards including patient education, early post-operative ambulation, patient reported outcomes, clinical documentation, length of stay, meeting standards of evidence-based practice, and adherence to hospital policy. The visit, which is not scheduled or announced, is one of the final steps in a lengthy process to demonstrate continuous compliance with accreditation performance standards.

“I am so proud of our orthopedics team for achieving this recognition,” said Joe Gaetano, vice president of operations for Northern Light Blue Hill and Maine Coast Hospitals. “We know we have an outstanding joint replacement program here in Ellsworth, and this certification supports that claim.”  

Northern Light Orthopedics at Maine Coast Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional care.

“We provide attentive, thorough, and professional total joint care led by nationally recognized treatment guidelines,” said department manager Joni Hart, RN. “Our lead surgeon Peter Copithorne, MD, along with our care team made up of providers, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and technicians, work together to bring high quality hip and knee replacement care to our patients in down east Maine and beyond.” 

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. Informed by scientific literature and expert consensus, the standards help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. During the visit, surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Maine Coast Hospital for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.” 

For more information about joint replacement surgery and orthopedic care at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital, please call 207.664.5770 or contact your provider for a referral. To learn more about orthopedic services at Northern Light Health, in Ellsworth and throughout the state, please visit NorthernLightHealth.org/services/orthopedics. 

For more information about The Joint Commission and program accreditations, please visit The Joint Commission website at JointCommission.org.

At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team—in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care—are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.