The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has named Northside Hospital Cherokee as a Level III maternal care verified facility.
Northside Hospital Cherokee underwent a comprehensive on-site review on July 25-26, during which the hospital’s maternal capabilities and policies were evaluated.
As a Level III facility, Northside Hospital Cherokee has demonstrated it has the expertise, equipment and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level.
“Northside Cherokee has always been committed to delivering a high-quality, personalized care experience,” said Christina Roberts, manager of the Women’s Center at Northside Hospital Cherokee. “This designation validates our ability to provide exceptional maternal care services.”
Added Beverly Hunt, Northside Cherokee’s chief nursing officer, “This designation demonstrates our continued commitment to improve the quality of care for complex maternal medical conditions, obstetric complications and neonatal conditions in North Georgia.”
In 2022, DPH announced a partnership with The Joint Commission, recognizing its MLC Verification program. Northside Hospital Atlanta was the first hospital in the country to receive MLC Verification and the first in Georgia to receive a Level IV Maternal Center Designation from DPH.
“The Department congratulates Northside Hospital Cherokee for this achievement and appreciates the contributions that you make to the health and well‐being of Georgia mothers,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, MPH, commissioner, Georgia DPH, in a letter to the hospital on Aug. 18.
“The Joint Commission commends Northside Hospital Cherokee for being named a Level III maternal care verified facility and for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality,” said Deborah Ryan, MS, R.N., interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program will help Northside Hospital Cherokee strengthen regionalized care for mothers and babies in its community.”
Learn more about maternity and newborn services at Northside.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at jointcommission.org.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters through evidence-based decision and policy making, health equity, collaboration and continuous quality improvement. For more information about DPH, visit dph.ga.gov.
