The Joint Commission awarded continued accreditation to City of Hope’s following a one-day unannounced validation survey on Sept. 15. City of Hope is among the 5 percent of California hospitals that will undergo validation surveys of their Joint Commission accreditation this year.

The surveyor indicated that she was “impressed” by the progress the organization has made since its last full survey in November 2008, telling leaders that City of Hope “has done very well.”

Ninety percent of the recommendations provided by the Joint Commission following the organization’s last very successful survey in 2008 were validated by the surveyor as completed, with two recommendations in progress.

This positive survey result reflects City of Hope’s dedication to the highest levels of care and compassion for patients, City of Hope leaders said. They indicated that the organization’s performance is a testament to employees’ and physicians’ commitment and demonstrates the excellent care provided to City of Hope’s patients on a day-to-day basis.

“Each of our efforts — on the day of the unannounced survey and on every other day as well — makes a difference in the lives of those who come to us for treatment,” said Alexandra M. Levine, M.D., M.A.C.P., chief medical officer. “Thank you and congratulations to all staff and physicians whose commitment to our patients led to this excellent outcome.”

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 18,000 health-care organizations and programs in the U.S. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

“All Joint Commission surveys are unannounced, so our performance in these events is a true indicator of our excellent level of care and professionalism,” said Virginia Opipare, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Congratulations to all staff and physicians whose commitment to our patients led to this outstanding result.”