Patients & Visitors

Quality Initiatives

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

As stated in our mission, Northwest Medical Center is a healthcare organization founded on the values of excellence, leadership integrity and compassion. We exist to provide the highest quality services for the individuals and families we serve. As such we are committed to meeting and exceeding the standards set forth by Joint Commission, Leapfrog Group on Health (www.leapfroggroup.org), and the IHI Save 100,000 Lives Campaign (www.IHI.org). Our commitment to improving patient care quality includes working toward continuous improvement of quality and patient safety. Data of our performance is provided through the JCAHO Quality Check (http://www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx) , Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Safe Practices (http://www.leapfroggroup.org/) Hospital Quality Alliance (to which we also voluntarily contribute data at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov). In evidence of our patient commitment, we share openly our data which demonstrates our absolute, ongoing commitment to quality, patient safety and clinical performance.

In addition to being accredited by JCAHO, Northwest Medical Center accredited programs include:

  • College of American Pathologists
  • Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
  • State of Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration-Laboratory
  • American College of Radiology Accreditation for Ultrasound and Mammography

If you have any concerns about patient care and safety in the hospital, that the hospital has not addressed, please contact the hospital’s management at 954.978-4000. If the concerns cannot be resolved through the hospital, you are encouraged to contact the Joint Commission*.

*Read Public Notice

Northwest Medical Center is a Joint Commission Designated Stroke Center and has  been recognized by the AHA Get with the Guidelines for Stroke.

Patient Safety

Combined with eMAR & Bar Coding, the issue of Patient Safety is a top priority at our hospital. Click here to learn how you can become an active participant in your healthcare.

At Northwest Medical Center we are involved in the following state and national healthcare quality initiatives:

Safety is our Priority

Within the facility we utilize a healthcare team to make improvements in the following areas:

Multiple areas are monitored to evaluate processes and outcomes.
Some examples include:

  • Restraints
  • National Patient Safety Goals
  • Medication Errors
  • Perinatal Safety

Our Commitment to Safety

Your safety is our priority. Our goal is to make you feel safe and secure while you are in our hospitals. Every member of our staff is dedicated to:

  • Providing you with a safe, healthy and secure environment
  • Performing their jobs carefully and competently
  • Using safe and effective practices and technologies
  • Responding to your wants and needs in a timely manner
  • Ensuring timely communications between caregivers and patients by answering questions about your treatment and your health, providing you with specific information about your care and explaining changes about your treatment

ASK – TELL - EXPECT

At Northwest Medical Center your safety is our primary goal. As an important member of our healthcare team, here are some ways you can help.

ASK
Let Us Know if you have questions about…………….

  • A test you are having done. You should understand what it is for and why it is being done.
  • Any forms or consents you are signing.
  • Your medications. If you don’t recognize a pill you are receiving, ask what it is, why you are getting it, what side effects you might expect, and if there is anything you can read about it.
  • Why you are receiving four tablets in the morning instead of two, or blue tablets instead of the white ones you normally take.
  • Your discharge plan and any instructions you have received for follow-up at home.

TELL
Tell us about………..

  • Any allergies or reactions to medications or foods you may have had in the past.
  • Prescription medications you have been taking.
  • Over the counter medications that you are using, or commonly use, for pain, headaches or other ailments.
  • “Natural” remedies or alternative medications that you are using.
  • Use of recreational drugs, if any.
  • Your full medical history. This will help us care for you better.
  • Anything that doesn’t seem right about the care you are receiving.

EXPECT

  • To wear an armband that identifies you correctly at all times. Do not remove it.
  • Staff to identify themselves verbally and wear identification badges. If you are a new mother, the badge of your caregiver should have a yellow background. Make sure you know to whom you are giving your baby.
  • If you go to surgery, you should expect to be involved in the identification of the site where you will have surgery.
  • Staff to wash their hands, as this will help prevent infections. If they haven’t washed their hands, don’t be afraid to remind them.
  • Staff to help promote your own hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and expect your caregiver to assist you with this if you are unable to leave your bed.
  • Staff to confirm your identity prior to giving you a medication or performing a test on you. When receiving medications, you can expect the nurse to electronically scan your identification arm band to validate you are the correct patient (exception: Emergency Department). Do not accept medications unless this has been done.
  • Staff to answer any questions you may have regarding your healthcare. If they cannot answer the question, they should refer it to someone who can.
  • Staff to take your concerns seriously.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration introduces the website to help the public make well informed health care decisions. With accurate and trusted health care information and tools to compare health care providers and facilities, consumers can make informed choices. Please click the icon to access Florida Health information.

Health Encyclopedia view all topics

1-888-256-7720