The Joint Commission Finds OMH Performance Exceeds National Norms

ALBANY, NY (12/08/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State's Office of Mental Health (OMH) operates the state's third largest hospital system – within the structure and constraints of state government. In fact, statewide budget cuts have reduced the agency's staff by more than 1,000 over the past two and one-half years. Despite this, representatives from a national organization that surveys and evaluates healthcare organizations informed OMH leadership this week that when it comes to quality of care and services, OMH compares favorably to public and private hospitals nationwide.

The Joint Commission (TJC) conducted unannounced surveys at 17 of OMH's psychiatric centers during 2010, and TJC surveyors Donald S. Geeze, MD, MPH; and Linda L. Sellers, RN, held a summation conference on Dec. 2, 2010 to review the Commission's findings with OMH facility and agency leadership. The two surveyors used such phrases as "superstar" and "superior performance" when reviewing the psychiatric centers' operations and comparing OMH's performance with 708 hospital surveys conducted nationally through 6/30/2010.

TJC data demonstrated that OMH performance and outcomes met or exceeded the national average in most of the quality standards. The surveyors also reviewed areas where the psychiatric centers had shown opportunities for improvement but in most cases, even those weaker areas were stronger than the national average.

Geeze and Sellers lauded OMH for its focus on evidence-based practices, and praised the psychiatric centers for actively fostering a culture of learning and a culture of safety.

OMH Commissioner Dr. Mike Hogan said "This positive feedback is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of our hospital staff. Under difficult circumstances and within bureaucratic constraints, they provide excellent care to people with the most challenging psychiatric conditions. The news that care in our hospitals exceeds national ratings achieved by private and public medical centers makes us proud--but not satisfied. We can do even better."

As New York State's mental health authority, the Office of Mental Health is responsible for the planning and delivery of high quality care, treatment, and rehabilitative services to adults with severe mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance. Services promote recovery and provide hope for the future, and are designed to be consumer and family focused, responsive to individual needs, and respectful of culture and language. OMH also promotes overall public mental health through education and advocacy for all New Yorkers.