Greenwich Hospital honored for diabetes care and education

Greenwich, CT (July 10, 2019) – A longtime leader in the fight against diabetes, Greenwich Hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for the management of diabetes in hospitalized patients and educating these patients and their caregivers in the management of this potentially deadly disease once they leave the hospital.

The hospital’s “Diabetes Excellence in Care” program was cited for continuously demonstrating high performance standards and providing clinical services across the continuum of care for diabetes. Greenwich was the first hospital in the state to achieve this certification in 2015. Only two Connecticut hospitals currently hold the certification.

“We are proud of this symbol of quality, which reflects Greenwich Hospital’s commitment to providing outstanding patient care,” said Norman Roth, president and chief executive officer, noting that 30.3 million Americans have diabetes. About 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

Greenwich Hospital offers bedside diabetes education to patients and their caregivers, in addition to supporting individuals who seek care on an outpatient basis at the hospital’s Center for Behavioral and Nutritional Health and its Outpatient Center.

“Since learning to self-manage the many aspects of diabetes care is a journey, we work to support patients during hospital admissions as well as in outpatient settings after discharge,” said Nancy Ryan, a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. “We also offer a monthly education and support group for people with diabetes.”

As part of the certification process, Greenwich Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.