Evergreen Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program Recognized for Excellence

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Hospital today announced its Bariatric Center for Weight-Loss Surgery was renewed as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, reaffirming the program's dedication to long-term patient care and institutional excellence in the field of weight-loss surgery.

The Center of Excellence (COE) designation is awarded to bariatric surgeons and medical facilities across the United States and Canada that show commitment to long-term patient care and success centered on 10 research-based, comprehensive standards. These standards are meant to uphold the best practices in bariatric care and organizational superiority.

The Evergreen bariatric program was first named a Center of Excellence in 2007 by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and today's announcement marks the renewal of Evergreen's superior designation, following a rigorous site inspection and recent evaluation.  

"We are proud to continue to provide the highest standard of bariatric care for Northwest residents," said Evergreen CEO Bob Malte. "This is an honor we share across our entire organization and especially with those who dedicate their skill and service to investing in the patient experience, clinical pathways and technological advances within the bariatric specialty."

Evergreen was among the first hospitals in the nation to perform nearly all of its bariatric procedures with minimally invasive laparoscopic technology, which reduces the length of hospital stays, diminishes discomfort, limits surgical scarring and shortens recovery time. Evergreen's program also offers critical, post-surgical support through nutritional education programs, exercise consultations and in-person or online patient support groups.

The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program is the world's largest Center of Excellence program for the bariatric specialty, with more than 700 surgeons and 400 facilities currently designated as top-performing providers.

COE programs are awarded by a variety of healthcare organizations to distinguish specialty fields within hospitals that have achieved outstanding results by providing the best patient care possible.  

Evergreen is also a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and is ranked among the Top 10 hospitals in Washington in Overall Bariatric Surgery by HealthGrades, the nation's leading provider of independent hospital ratings.

For patients interested in learning more about Evergreen's weight-loss surgery center, the hospital hosts free seminars to provide an opportunity to meet staff and learn more details about patient options and the hospital's comprehensive program.  For more information, call 425.899.3000 or visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

About Evergreen Healthcare

Evergreen Healthcare, a public hospital district and community-based health care organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 70 specialties, including  cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a Neuroscience Institute, Women's and Children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a Sleep Disorders Center and Home Health services care.  Evergreen serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of northern King and southern Snohomish counties with Evergreen Medical Group, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. Evergreen also provides emergency care at two sites; its main hospital campus and the Evergreen Redmond Medical Center.  In addition to clinical care, Evergreen offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by Evergreen Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service.   For more information, visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

CONTACTS:

Kay Taylor
VP of Marketing
Evergreen Healthcare
425.899.2604

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]

SOURCE Evergreen Healthcare