Greenwich Hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Program Receives National Accreditation

Greenwich Hospital has received national accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a comprehensive bariatric surgery program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality care.

“This designation is a testament to the dedication and outstanding reputation of our team of experts led by our skilled bariatric surgeons,” said Norman G. Roth, president of Greenwich Hospital. “Patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity now have access to a nationally accredited program that provides support before, during and after weight-loss surgery.”

Greenwich Hospital’s bariatric surgery program offers both preoperative and postoperative care to patients, as well as monthly support groups for individuals who undergo weight-loss surgery. Surgical options include gastric bypass (which bypasses a portion of the stomach by re-routing food to the intestines); adjustable gastric banding (which adjusts the size of the stomach to restrict food intake); and sleeve gastrectomy (in which a portion of the stomach is surgically removed).

Members of the bariatric surgery program work closely with Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Behavioral and Nutritional Health to address the physical and emotional needs of each patient. The bariatric team consists of board-certified surgeons, a program coordinator, dietitian, psychologist, specially trained nurses and other staff to provide the highest level of individualized and compassionate care.

“We are proud to be accredited and it confirms the great work that our excellent team does every day to help our patients live healthier lives,” said Ashutosh Kaul, MD, medical director of the Greenwich Hospital bariatric surgery program.

Candidates for bariatric surgery include individuals who are 60 pounds or more overweight and are concerned about developing obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gastric reflux and more. An estimated 15.5 million Americans suffer from severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the numbers are expected to increase.

To receive the national accreditation, bariatric centers must offer both surgical procedures as well as a multidisciplinary program for severely obese patients designed to improve outcomes and long-term success. After submitting an application, centers undergo an extensive visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who makes a specific designation based on the number of annual patients, types of procedures provided and whether it serves patients under the age of 18.  MBSAQIP is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. 

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Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. www.greenwichhospital.org