On Tuesday Morning February 13th, a team of five surveyors arrived from the Joint Commission to begin an unannounced, comprehensive survey of all aspects of the Flushing Hospital Medical Center operation.
After four intense and grueling days we are pleased to report that Flushing Hospital Medical Center achieved a passing grade from the team, as reported in a wrap-up meeting late Friday afternoon with the survey group. Current surveys are Pass/Fail and no longer result in a number grade.
The comments from the team of surveyors after spending the better part of a week with our employees included the statements “they enjoyed interacting with our front line staff” and that our staff “displayed enthusiasm, openness and honesty.” They also stated that they wanted to “thank and praise everyone” and they commended the people that they interacted with.
That session was followed by a lighthearted update session for other staff in the hospitals auditorium, presided over by President and CEO David P. Rosen and Vice President and COO Bruce J. Flanz which was concluded by a traditional Champagne toast, courtesy of our Dietary department.
Mr. Flanz thanked all of the management and rank and file staff who rose to the occasion without any advance notice and performed in an exemplary fashion. Mr. Rosen echoed those sentiments and talked about what a difficult and demanding experience this new survey process is. He also reported how proud he is to hear how readily staff members at all levels stepped up and showed what they do well, not just when the survey team is here, but every day of the year. Both Mr. Rosen and Mr. Flanz also thanked the senior leadership that ushered the team around all week and helped guide the process.
As in any survey, there are some areas that we need to focus some additional scrutiny on going forward, and the surveyors also made several recommendations which we will review and which is an expected part of this educational process.
A well deserved congratulations to all!
