By PHIL HERMANEK
Peninsula Clarion

After two days of examination by hospital accreditation surveyors, Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna came through with flying colors.

"I'm very impressed that the hospital went through two very intense days of surveys by a physician surveyor and a nurse surveyor without any write-ups," said David Gilbreath, president and chief executive officer.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations completed the two-day survey last Wednesday and Thursday, evaluating CPGH's compliance with nationally established standards.

Physician surveyor Marian Snowden, who surveyed CPGH three years ago, said she was "astonished by the wonderful changes" that have been made over the past three years.

She said significant changes in leadership resulted in a friendlier environment and a staff "that appeared to enjoy their work."

Gilbreath said the surveyor also commented that the type of changes she witnessed were common among hospitals such as CPGH that have become affiliated with the Planetree philosophy of patient-oriented healthcare.

The nurse surveyor, Neomi Temura, said she could tell CPGH staff were focused on patient safety and patient care.

"These results validate the fact that the hospital is providing care in a safe environment," Gilbreath said.

"I'm very impressed that we have seven national hospital safety goals and we received zero findings," he said.

Among areas reviewed are hygiene ‹ using gloves and washing hands; taking time outs prior to surgery to avoid errors experienced by some other hospitals; and medication control ‹ cross-checking patients' names and birth dates to ensure patients receive the proper medication and procedures, according to the top executive.

Gilbreath said when the survey was last done three years ago, surveyors criticized how some medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations were written to manage care provided by the hospital.

He also said negative findings were listed regarding medical record keeping.

This year, no findings were made in any categories.

"I couldn't be prouder of an organization," Gilbreath said.

The hospital will next be surveyed in one to four years, according to Gilbreath, and the next review will come without notice.