The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), announced that Northside Hospital Atlanta has maintained designation as a Level IV maternal care verified facility during the most recent re-verification survey.
Northside Atlanta underwent a comprehensive on-site review on Sept. 4-5, during which the hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies were evaluated.
As a Level IV facility, Northside Atlanta has demonstrated it has the expertise, equipment and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level.
“Northside Hospital continues to prioritize efforts to provide the best care for mothers and newborns in Georgia at Northside Hospital,” says Trish Witcher, who is Northside Hospital's director of women's services and led the hospital’s re-verification process.
In 2022, DPH announced a partnership with The Joint Commission, recognizing its MLC Verification program. The program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is a verification process that involves an on-site comprehensive review of a hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies, as well as a level of maternal care determination.
“Our strategy incorporated multiple disciplines, such as obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, cardiology and emergency medical services among others highly qualified , nurses and staff,” Witcher adds. “The re-designation of Northside Hospital Atlanta as a Level IV Maternal Center in Georgia is an achievement that validates our ability to care for the ill mothers and newborns who present with highly complex health issues in Georgia.
“The Georgia Department of Public Health commends Northside Hospital for this achievement and appreciates the contributions made to the health and well-being of Georgia mothers,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, MPH, commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health.
Learn more about maternity and newborn services at Northside.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare 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 22,000 healthcare 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 healthcare. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters through evidence-based decision and policy making, health equity, collaboration and continuous quality improvement. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.
