LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 17, 2024) – UK HealthCare recently achieved accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American College of Surgeons. I did. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
MBSAQIP is a comprehensive national surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The surgical outcomes are focused on weight loss and treatment of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Research shows that accredited facilities have fewer complications and better outcomes than non-accredited facilities.
Dr. Joshua P. Steiner, director of the Weight Loss Surgery Clinic, and Mary Beth Keaton, nurse manager of UK Weight Loss Surgery, first recognized this recognition in the UK Healthcare System Operations Update in mid-September. Announced.
“Accreditation from ACS and ASMBS is further evidence that the weight loss surgery program meets the highest standards of quality and safety in operating room procedures and long-term outcomes,” said Steiner. “Our surgical teams are excellent and we fully commend the UK for achieving this recognition.”
For patients like Maria Harmon, years of dieting and yo-yo weight loss led her to consider the possibility of surgical intervention. At a weight loss surgery clinic in the UK, she learned that surgery is just one of many tools she can use to manage her weight and health.
“What I liked most about this surgery was the collaborative effort of the doctors, nurse practitioners, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and administrative staff and the education they provided before and after the surgery,” she said. said. “It also gives you lifetime access to the office, including a nutritionist. They taught me that surgery is a means, not a magic solution. It's just that, over time, I was also able to stay healthy and lose weight. I will be focusing on my weight, but as I lose weight, I realize how important my health and wins outside of the scale are. Masu.”
Three years after surgery, Harmon has lost 140 pounds and started a new active life.
“Now I love hiking. I get to play with my kids,” she said. “I don't have to worry about being able to fit in. I owe it all to the UK weight loss surgery program!”
UK HealthCare's weight loss surgery program was established in 2021 and is already changing lives through surgery, counseling and education.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, who worked tirelessly to achieve this recognition,” said William B. Inabnet III, M.D., chief of surgery and chief surgeon at UK HealthCare. said. “In just three short years, we have built a program that meets the highest safety and quality standards, and it is an honor to see our efforts recognized in such a meaningful way. ”
As an MBSAQIP accredited hospital, UK HealthCare is also an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner means a hospital is dedicated to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on the process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know that UK HealthCare is committed to quality and constant self-improvement and is verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards of surgical quality.
“The ACS Quality Program is based on over a century of experience and participation is a key measure of the quality of a hospital's surgical operations. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, UK HealthCare is committed to delivering the best possible patient care. , we have been committed to evaluating that care in a rigorous manner and focusing on continuous self-improvement,” said Patricia L. Turner, ACS Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. , Doctor of Medicine
Learn more about MBSAQIP here.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons founded in 1913 to advance the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The university is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. His achievements greatly influenced the course of American scientific surgery and established him as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The college has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” indicates that the surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
About the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
ASMBS is the nation's largest organization of bariatric surgeons. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of bariatric surgery and educating medical professionals and the public about bariatric surgery and its associated risks and benefits as a treatment option for morbid obesity. is. We encourage our members to investigate and discover new advances in obesity while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved outcomes for patients with morbid obesity. For more information, please visit www.asmbs.org.