Memorial Hermann-TMC’s Ertan Digestive Disease Center Recognized by Leading Gastrointestinal Medical Society for Quality and Safety
Katy, TX (August 17, 2016) The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized the Ertan Digestive Disease Center, a Gastroenterology Center of Excellence at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC), as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. The Ertan Digestive Disease Center is one of only 400 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency.
“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to provide the highest quality and safety standards to our patients,” said Atilla Ertan, M.D., Medical Director of the Center and professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Through continued education and compliance with the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program requirements, we demonstrate our dedication and ongoing commitment to delivering the best experience possible for our referral patients nationally and internationally.”
To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where endoscopy is practiced, including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory endoscopy or surgery centers.
An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit,” that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, the certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period.
“We offer patients the leading treatment options available,” said Nirav Thosani, M.D., Director of Advanced Endoscopy at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and assistant professor of gastroenterology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Recognition from the ASGE further cements our commitment to our patients and lets them know that they are receiving the quality care and compassion they deserve.”
As a leading source in GI and hepatology, the team at the Ertan Digestive Disease Center is frequently called upon to educate in local, national and international meetings about the field’s discoveries, studies and general knowledge. The Center provides comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for patients with diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, pancreas, biliary tract and liver. They also deliver expert management, up-to-date treatment and innovative solutions for patients with all forms of digestive disorders, and continually work to enhance patient quality of care as well as improve quality of life for the patient population.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
