The Joint Commission awarded City of Hope continued accreditation after an unannounced survey from Nov. 21 to 24.

The positive survey results reflect high levels of care, quality and safety, City of Hope leaders said.

“We thank each employee whose compassion for our patients and commitment to our mission led to this outstanding outcome,” said Alexandra M. Levine, M.D., chief medical officer. “Our patients and their families benefit from that unwavering excellence.”

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health-care organizations and programs. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Joint Commission standards address an organization’s level of performance in key areas such as patient rights, patient treatment and infection control. Standards focus not simply on an organization’s ability to provide safe, high-quality care, but on its actual performance as well.

Surveyors applauded City of Hope during the visit, telling leaders, “We go all around the country, see many facilities, and yours is truly excellent,” and “Your staff did an excellent job.” The inspector who performed the Life Safety portion of the survey reported that City of Hope’s result was one of the best he had seen in more than five years.

Each staff member participating in the survey process performed admirably, leaders said. “We recognize our survey escorts and scribes, command center staff and everyone who participated in tracers, was interviewed by surveyors or attended Joint Commission meetings,” said Liz Dunne, executive officer of the medical center.

Dunne praised physicians and hospital staff who dedicated time and assistance during the survey process, noting that the survey outcome reflected their collaborative approach to providing care and creating a safe environment for patients.

Accreditation by the Joint Commission requires ongoing preparation, and many people participated in mock drills and exercises to improve performance throughout the year. “We are pleased with our survey outcome in November,” Levine said, “but we come to work every day knowing that we always must meet the highest standards of patient care.”