FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/18/11
CONTACT: Leisha Harris, 205-599-4926 or 205-746-0551
Leisha.harris@trinitymedicalonline.com
TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER
FIRST AND ONLY IN STATE TO BE RECOGNIZED BY LEADING GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICAL SOCIETY FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Oct. 18, 2011 – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized Trinity Medical Center’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Laboratory for Digestive Diseases as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy. The Trinity GI Lab is the only facility in the state of Alabama to receive this distinction and one of only 363 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.
"We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit," said Kenneth Sigman, MD, Medical Director of the Trinity GI Lab. "The program course on improving quality and safety provided us with valuable knowledge to continue to give our patients the safest and best care possible."
Upon completion of the program, units receive an ASGE "Certificate of Recognition" for promoting quality in endoscopy.
"ASGE is delighted to be recognizing these 363 endoscopy units, whose staff work hard every day to provide high-quality care to their patients in a safe environment," said Bret T. Petersen, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. "There continues to be an outstanding response to this program. We are proud to acknowledge these ASGE members through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality."
To successfully complete the program and receive a Certificate of Recognition, a center must show proof of successful and current accreditation by a recognized accrediting body; sign an attestation affirming that certain ASGE and CDC guidelines are adopted as minimum requirements of the unit policy; and have a representative of the unit complete the ASGE Recognition Course, "Improving Quality and Safety In Your Endoscopy Unit." The Certificate of Recognition award is granted for a three-year renewable period.
About Trinity Medical Center’s GI Lab
The GI Lab at Trinity Medical Center, and the physicians who practice there, offer services including Colonoscopy, EGD and Sigmoidoscopy. They also offer very specialized endoscopic procedures not available in most facilities including therapeutic ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasound, the Halo procedure, Esophageal Manometry, Double Balloon Enteroscopy and Endoscopic Stent Placement.
About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.
About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.