Harlem Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia's College of Physicians & Surgeons (P&S), earned outstanding marks when its accreditation was renewed for another three years by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in November. The facility's preliminary score was 93 out of a possible 100. According to the commission, 88 is the national average score for 1999.

"We value the Harlem affiliation because it adds real strength to clinical care and training within the Columbia family," says Herbert Pardes, vice president and dean of P&S. "This outstanding accreditation review confirms how important that relationship is. The faculty and administration are to be congratulated."

On the final day of the accreditation process, surveyors deliver an oral exit report that includes preliminary scores. According to this report, Harlem scored a 93 on the four-day survey of the hospital's inpatient care, a perfect 100 on the one-day survey of its ambulatory care, and a 97 for behavioral healthcare. No changes are expected when the hospital receives the final version of these results in mid December.

"We are especially proud of these excellent results, because this process is a true measure of a hospital's quality of care and service," says Edward Healton, P&S senior associate dean. "The commission has made a point to ensure their surveys are as rigorous and thorough as possible. Our Columbia faculty and hospital staff have done an outstanding job responding to this challenge."

The commission conducts surveys of more than 5,000 hospitals nationwide. It evaluates 564 standards in several distinct areas, including assessment and care of patients, management of human resources, patients' rights and organization ethics and leadership.

Harlem Hospital was founded in 1887 and began its affiliation with P&S in 1962. The teaching hospital offers primary, secondary, and tertiary care for children and adults living in the central Harlem area. The facility operates with 312 licensed beds and manages more than a quarter million annual patient visits.