Kroger's The Little Clinic Earns Third Accreditation From The Joint Commission

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After intensive and comprehensive review, The Little Clinic has earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ for the third consecutive time by demonstrating continuous compliance with its nationally-recognized standards. A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), The Little Clinic initially earned accreditation in 2009, followed by reaccreditation in 2012 and 2015. The company is the third largest retail clinic operator with 155 locations in select Kroger, King Soopers, Fry's and JayC stores in nine states.

"As an organization, we make a daily commitment to serve our patients with the highest standards of quality and safe care. Like Kroger, our parent company, we focus on putting the customer first in everything we do by delivering stellar service and care with every patient encounter," said Mike Stoll, Chief Executive Officer, The Little Clinic. "Reaccreditation by The Joint Commission further supports our dedication to consistent, on-going operational improvement."

The reaccreditation process occurs every three years. Joint Commission surveyors visited The Little Clinic corporate office and conducted unannounced site visits to many clinic locations. The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in the healthcare industry, certifying and accrediting more than 20,500 other organizations, including hospitals and health care organizations that provide ambulatory and office-based surgery, behavioral health, home care, laboratory and nursing home services.

"Amidst all the changes to the healthcare industry in recent years, The Little Clinic is providing much needed, quality and customer-driven care in a convenient and affordable manner," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and chief executive officer. "The complement of The Little Clinic alongside our pharmacy teams, dieticians and wellness focus truly allows Kroger to serve as a healthcare destination within the communities we serve."

The Little Clinic locations are staffed by licensed Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, specialists in family practice. They are authorized to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses such as strep throat, respiratory, sinus and ear infections and the flu, as well as for minor skin conditions and injuries. The clinics also provide services such as physicals, back-to-school and sports exams, screenings and a number of vaccinations. The Little Clinic provides care for the entire family from age 18 months and up (24 months and up in Kentucky). Appointments are not necessary and the company is in network with most major insurers and many regional insurers.

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 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including hospitals and health care organizations that provide ambulatory and office-based surgery, behavioral health, home care, laboratory and nursing home services. An independent, not-for-profit 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 www.jointcommission.org.

About The Little Clinic
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., The Little Clinic is a pioneer in customer-focused healthcare with a mission to provide quality, convenient, affordable healthcare and wellness education. A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., The Little Clinic health care clinics are currently located inside select Kroger stores in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio; King Soopers in Colorado; Fry's Food Stores in Arizona; and JayC stores in Indiana. The Little Clinic was awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ in 2009 and obtained reaccreditation in 2012 and 2015. Visit The Little Clinic online at www.thelittleclinic.com, www.facebook.com/thelittleclinic and www.thelittleclinic.blogspot.com.

About Kroger
Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,625 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 782 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,330 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club.

SOURCE Kroger