Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut Achieves Bariatric MBSAQIP Comprehensive Center Accreditation
Patients in the Waterbury, CT, area seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions now have a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for safety and quality.
Waterbury Hospital’s bariatric surgery center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. MBSAQIP-accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2024.
“This accreditation is a testament to the quality of care we’ve provided our patients since we created the Weight Management Center and the bariatric program,” said Medical Director of the Waterbury HEALTH Weight Management Program and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director Dr. Juan Diego Holguin, bariatric surgery medical director. “We offer personalized care and attention, and I look forward to helping many more patients.”
Waterbury Hospital’s commitment to quality care begins with expertly trained staff and the leadership of an experienced bariatric surgeon. The program is tasked with continuous review of surgical data as they continue improving the structure and outcomes expertise necessary to provide safe, efficacious, and high-quality care to all metabolic and bariatric patients.
To earn MBSAQIP accreditation, Waterbury Hospital met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure, and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity.
National Quality Care Close to Home
“We pride ourselves in providing patients with quality care locally, and this accreditation is another example of that,” said Waterbury HEALTH President and CEO Lester Schindel. “I want to congratulate Dr. Holguin and his team for an accreditation with high praise from the reviewers on the great care they provide our patients.”
After applying for MBSAQIP accreditation, centers undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center's structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. Centers that earn accreditation are awarded a specific designation level, depending on how many patients it serves annually, critical care capabilities, the types of procedures provided, and whether it provides care to patients younger than 18.
The CDC estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.
To schedule an appointment call (203) 573-9512, ext. 2372.