By Maggie Roetker

Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital has been redesignated a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) and Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).

Status as an accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology means that Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital has met nationally recognized standards for providing quality health care and maintaining patient safety. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site inspection process are granted accreditation. Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital joins 72 other COEMIG hospitals and 67 other COERS hospitals in 26 countries.

In addition, David L. Doering, M.D., gynecologic oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute, and Jonathan H. Reinstine, M.D., gynecologist with Associates in OB/GYN, a Part of Norton Women’s Care, each earned the designation of Surgeon of Excellence.

“Earning a center of excellence designation means that we consistently deliver safe, high-quality care to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and robotic surgery patients,” said Charlotte Ipsan, DNP, RNC, NNP-BC, chief administrative officer, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. “We are committed to excellence and improving the health and well-being of our patients, which is why we were able to earn these redesignations.”

The COEMIG and COERS programs are focused on improving the safety and quality of gynecologic and robotic surgical care worldwide and lowering the overall costs associated with successful treatment. The programs are designed to expand patient awareness of and access to minimally invasive gynecologic procedures performed by surgeons and facilities that have demonstrated excellence in these advanced techniques.

Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital first earned COEMIG designation in 2013 and COERS designation in 2016.

Minimally invasive gynecologic procedures include laparoscopic myomectomy and uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids, sacrospinous fixation for advanced uterine prolapse and laparoscopic hysterectomy. These are procedures offered through the Norton Women’s Care Pelvic Health Program.

Robotic surgery involves use of a special system to perform complex and delicate operations for gynecological, urological and general surgical issues including gynecologic cancer. Using special equipment, surgical tools are placed through small incisions, helping patients avoid a large, open incision and a long recovery time. A special console gives surgeons a magnified, real-time view of the surgical area beyond what their eyes allow.

Health care organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site inspection. This process includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve care and services.

“We’re proud to recognize Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology for their commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This reaccreditation signals that the facility and its surgeons are among the best in the specialty and are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

To learn more about SRC and the accreditation process, visit SurgicalReview.org.