Memorial Health
August 09, 2018

Memorial Health University Medical Center was recently granted a three-year renewal recognition for quality and safety by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society. Memorial’s gastrointestinal center of excellence has been recognized by ASGE since 2015 and is one of more than 400 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009.

“It’s an honor to be recognized once again by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Steven Carpenter, MD, medical director for Memorial’s gastrointestinal center of excellence. “Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care for our patients and this recertification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting ASGE requirements.”

The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency. To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention.

ASGE is the profession’s leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The society continually reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its courses, including "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”