Sage Memorial Hospital receives its Joint Commission "Gold Seal of Approval," continues success with Razaghi Healthcare

GANADO, Ariz., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 25^th, 2014, Sage completed The Joint Commission's accreditation process, receiving "Accreditation for all health care services." This is the fifth consecutive year the Hospital has maintained its "Gold Seal of Approval."

Joint Commission Accreditation is a highly prized accolade amongst the nation's hospitals and specialized healthcare organizations. Known as the "Gold Seal of Approval," Accreditation by the Joint Commission reflects a superior level of quality of care and performance not easily achieved. Additionally, Accreditation is a requirement for obtaining specific licensures, certifications, or funding. A hospital must meet and maintain stringent operational, safety, and management standards, undergoing a rigorous survey process in order to obtain this prestigious Accreditation.

"This milestone affirms that the quality of Sage's service has never been higher," said Sage Chairman of the Board Stenson Wauneka. "The Board is most proud of this accomplishment because it demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of health care for our Navajo communities."  The Hospital Administrator, Christi El-Meligi said, "We accomplished this with the vision of the Board, and the hard work and dedication of our Hospital management team and employees."

In 2007, Sage Memorial Hospital lost its Accreditation after struggling to meet Joint Commission requirements. At the time, Sage was experiencing a crisis, on the verge of closure by the Arizona Department of Health Services for failing to meet health care standards. In an attempt to avert closure, the Board of Directors hired a management company to perform a complete overhaul of the hospital's operations. After two full years, in 2009 Sage was able to regain its "Gold Seal of Approval," making it the only privately owned hospital on the Navajo Nation to hold both a license from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Joint Commission Accreditation. Established in 1974, Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital is the nation's first private, Native American comprehensive health care system.

To view Sage Memorial Hospital's Health Care Quality Report, visit www.jointcommission.org and click on "Quality Check."

SOURCE Razaghi Healthcare