Good News for the Community!

Natchaug Hospital Earns Prestigious JCAHO Gold Seal of Approval

Natchaug Hospital is pleased to report that it received a full three-year Gold Seal of Approval™ accreditation for its network of behavioral health care services from the nation’s preeminent health care standards-setting and accrediting body, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO). This prestigious achievement means that Eastern Connecticut can continue to look confidently to a hospital that meets or exceeds national standards for mental health and addiction treatment services.

“Natchaug Hospital’s ongoing compliance with Joint Commission standards, affirmed by this full accreditation, provides a valuable independent audit of our commitment to continuous quality improvement,” said Stephen Larcen, Ph.D., Natchaug Hospital President and CEO. “JCAHO accreditation is among Natchaug Hospital’s many commitments to the goal of exceeding rigorous national standards for quality of care.”

The JCAHO survey team’s audit included a thorough review of policies and procedures. Examiners also interviewed staff and patients, and observed the hospitals many programs in operation. This process provides a true validation of the quality of care provided, demonstrating Natchaug’s commitment to continuous improvement and the delivery of safe, high-quality care.

“We are particularly proud of JCAHO’s recognition of the successes achieved through Natchaug’s proactive implementation of JCAHO’s National Patient Safety Goals,” says MaryAnn Romano, Director of Quality Management at Natchaug. "We have used technology to speed the receipt and review of lab results and to improve accurate transfer of important clinical information, (such as prescribed medications), as patients move from one level of care to another."

Craig Martin, M.D., Natchaug’s Medical Director, added congratulations to the staff “throughout the organization for demonstrating the compassionate care we provide every day, always mindful of our ultimate goal: helping people find their way.”

Natchaug Hospital, a private nonprofit organization and an affiliate of Hartford HealthCare, offers mental health and substance abuse treatment through programs in Brooklyn, Enfield, Groton, Mansfield, Montville, Norwich, Putnam, Vernon and Windham.

JCAHO Notice: The public may contact the Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring to report any concern or to register a complaint about a Joint Commission-accredited health care organization. To do this, you may call 1-800-994-6610 or send an email to complaint@jcaho.org.