Fall River, Mass. – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized Saint Anne’s Hospital as part of its Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy care.

Endoscopy procedures are performed by specially-trained physicians using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.  Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, physicians are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions.  Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the GI system. 

Some of the most common endoscopic procedures include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (sometimes called “upper GI”), and various procedures that study and treat problems involving the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and other areas in the GI tract.

Saint Anne’s Hospital Endoscopy Center of Excellence is the only facility in Bristol County to earn this honor.  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, Centers for Disease Control infection control guidelines, and ensuring endoscopy staff competency.

“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Craig Jesiolowski, president of Saint Anne’s Hospital.  “Through ongoing education and continued compliance with ASGE’s recognition program requirements, our endoscopy team has demonstrated our dedication to the delivery of high-quality patient care.”

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.  These include hospital-based endoscopy units, office-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory endoscopy or surgery centers.

“We are proud to acknowledge these endoscopy units through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality,” said Glenn Eisen, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee.  “By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, continually assessing the competency of staff, and monitoring patient satisfaction, ASGE-recognized units contribute to the public’s confidence in endoscopy, a life-saving technology.”

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 14,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor.

About Saint Anne’s Hospital

Saint Anne’s Hospital is a community hospital with comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services, serving adults and children from southeastern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island at its main campus in Fall River and its community outpatient satellites in Attleboro, Swansea, North Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Stoughton.  Founded in 1906 by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, Saint Anne's Hospital is a member of Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest fully integrated community care organization and community hospital network in New England.  Saint Anne’s has been recognized time and again for quality, safety and service by such organizations as The Joint Commission, Healthgrades, The Leapfrog Group, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.