Franciscan St. Anthony Health Michigan City and three of its surgeons have been certified by the Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology program.
The designation followed a rigorous site evaluation process, done at the hospital’s request, and conducted by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, through the Surgical Review Corporation. The certification has been offered since 2010, when the association, which has 5,500 members worldwide, asked the corporation to administer the program in an effort to improve quality of care.
Franciscan St. Anthony Health met the 10 center of excellence site requirements, while obstetrics and gynecology specialists, including Lisa Hendricks, M.D., center program director; Michael Messina, D.O., and Al R. Pamintuan, M.D., met the six physician stipulations.
Trish Weber, hospital vice president of operations and chief nursing officer, said the designation demonstrates Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s commitment to providing the finest care.
“Earning the designation signifies that our facility and surgeons are among the best in their specialty,” Weber said, adding, “COEMIG designation is an ongoing process that promotes continued improvement of our hospital’s minimally invasive gynecology program, by ensuring everyone involved is dedicated to excellence. By complying with COEMIG requirements, we demonstrate our commitment and ability to consistently deliver the highest level of minimally invasive gynecologic surgical care possible.”
Hendricks, who also is Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s robotics medical director, said the evaluation essentially confirmed that the hospital was following the best quality standards; adding the certification henceforth will be a tool in providing evidence-based care and affirming the value and safety of minimally invasive surgery, which reduces patients’ hospital stays, is less painful and offers fewer side effects. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery often is used to treat pelvic pain and bleeding.
“Patients can have the peace of mind that they need not travel to cities outside the area – that they can feel comfortable in knowing they are getting state-of-the-art, excellent care, right here in Michigan City.”