Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, along with all affiliated outpatient locations, have once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a recognized symbol of quality that reflects health care organizations’ commitment to providing safe, quality patient care.

Hospitals are surveyed by The Joint Commission on a triennial basis. Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site review earlier this year, during which a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with hospital accreditation standards across key areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and patient rights and responsibilities. The successful outcome of the survey allowed the hospitals and all outpatient locations to maintain their accreditation status.

This recognition reflects the hospitals’ ongoing efforts to strengthen local healthcare access and excellence in the communities they serve. From providing advanced diagnostics and specialty care to ensuring safe and welcoming care environments, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are committed to delivering quality care close to home. The reaccreditation underscores the hospitals’ mission of making communities healthier and their work to continuously improve the patient experience while meeting the unique health needs of western North Carolina residents.

“This reaccreditation affirms the dedication of our team members at Harris, Swain, and all of our outpatient locations,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “From frontline staff to clinical leadership, everyone plays a vital role in meeting the highest standards in patient safety and quality. We are proud to provide this level of care to the patients and families we serve.”

The Joint Commission’s standards are built on input from health care professionals, subject matter experts, and patients, and are grounded in scientific research and best practices. These guidelines are designed to support hospitals in continuously elevating patient safety, quality of care, and health equity. During the review, surveyors conducted thorough on-site evaluations, including staff interviews and real-time observations of care and procedures.

Teams across both hospitals and outpatient clinics consistently engage in internal audits, staff training, mock inspections, and cross-departmental reviews as part of an ongoing commitment to excellence. These continuous efforts ensure high standards are maintained across all areas of care and are clearly reflected during each survey opportunity.

For more information about The Joint Commission, visit www.jointcommission.org.

To learn more about Harris Regional Hospital, its services, or more accreditation information, visit MyHarrisRegional.com.

To learn more about Swain Community Hospital, its services, or more accreditation information, visit MySwainCommunity.com.