STRATFORD, NJ – Kennedy University Hospital’s bariatric surgery program has been accredited by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
This designation means that Kennedy – Stratford has met the essential criteria that ensure it is fully capable of supporting a bariatric surgery care program, and that its institutional performance meets the requirements outlined by the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program.
"We are extremely pleased to become an accredited Bariatric Surgery Center," Kennedy President & CEO Martin A. Bieber said. "Since Kennedy’s bariatric surgery program was established in January 2007, nearly 200 patients have successfully undergone weight-loss surgery at our Stratford hospital. Our dedicated team of bariatric surgeons and support staff are committed to helping obese patients achieve permanent weight-loss through various surgical options."
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 2005, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program is awarded to bariatric surgery centers that demonstrate commitment to providing the highest quality care for its patients. Accredited bariatric surgery centers provide not only the hospital resources necessary for optimal care of morbidly obese patients, but also the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients -- from the pre-hospital phase through the post-operative care and treatment process.
In order to receive accreditation, Kennedy – Stratford had to meet specific criteria, and underwent onsite verification by experienced bariatric surgeons, who reviewed the program’s structure, process, and quality outcome data.
More than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity in the United States, and the numbers continue to increase. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of diseases and conditions commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks.
Currently, weight-loss surgery provides the only effective, lasting relief from severe obesity. For more information about Kennedy’s Bariatric Surgery Program, please contact Program Coordinator Lisa Shaw, RN, CMSRN, at 856/346-6470.
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 74,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
