My Backyard

Left to right, seated, Elizabeth Mason, Referral Supervisor; Noubar Kessimian, MD, Pathologist-in-Chief; and Suzanne Ferreira, Administrative Director. Back row, left to right, Eleanor Case, Blood Bank Supervisor; Cecile Letourneau, Microbiology Supervisor; Mary Beth Silvia, Point-of-Care Supervisor; Elizabeth Dion, Patient Services Supervisor; Michele Boisclair, Chemistry-Hematology Supervisor; Jean Kenney, Lab System Supervisor; and Haydee Pacheco, Anatomic Pathology Supervisor

 Pawtucket – Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island Pathology Department has earned accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of an onsite inspection. This national recognition showcases the excellence of services being provided by Memorial. Memorial’s Pathology Department is one of nearly 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients. The program is based on rigorous accreditation standards (there are more than 1,100 standards) that are translated into detailed and focused checklist requirements.

Noubar Kessimian, MD, Pathologist-in-Chief, CAP State Commissioner for Rhode Island and International CAP Inspector, said, “The College of American Pathologists Laboratory Accreditation Program is an internationally recognized program and the only one of its kind that utilizes teams of practicing laboratory professionals as inspectors. Designed to go well beyond regulatory compliance, the program helps laboratories achieve the highest standards of excellence to positively impact patient care and safety.” Memorial Hospital’s Pathology Department offers more than 500 tests in-house and performs over one million tests each year.

Suzanne Ferreira, Director of Pathology Administration, noted, “Memorial Hospital’s laboratory also recently earned accreditation by the American Association of Blood Bank (AABB).” She continued, “The AABB’s accreditation procedures are voluntary. Memorial has sought AABB accreditation because this program assists facilities in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety.”

This accreditation involved an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors. AABB’s Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. It assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

About the College of American Pathologists (CAP)

           CAP is a medical society that serves more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.