The Joint Commission wraps up 2025 survey

UTMB recently completed its triennial survey by The Joint Commission.

The surveyors who visited found many reasons to applaud us. They were impressed with how warm and welcoming our staff was to them, noting how helpful it was that many staffers approached them and happily offered to demonstrate processes.

They called out many specific units and departments. One surveyor, an oncology nurse who observed the Galveston Infusion team, said he would feel safe having his own chemo treatments administered here.

That’s one of the highest and most sincere compliments we could have received and is a reflection of UTMB Health overall.

Taken from the notes of one of the scribes who followed the surveyors on their tours and took note of their observations, here are just a few of the many specific call-outs the surveyors made to recognize staff who exemplified UTMB Health's commitment to Best Care.

Jen 11B - William E. Schneider:

Will demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating the patient’s chart and responding confidently and accurately to questions from our TJC surveyors. His professionalism and preparedness were clearly evident and greatly appreciated. Outstanding work!

Jen 11A - Nicole Thompson:

Nicole demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating the patient’s chart and responding confidently and accurately to questions from our TJC surveyors. Her professionalism and preparedness were clearly evident and greatly appreciated. Outstanding work!

Galveston OR - Vickie L. Brown:

During the TJC survey, Vickie exemplified excellence. Her deep understanding of all the initiatives on her unit, combined with the evident strength and preparedness of her entire team, was truly impressive. Exceptional leadership and outstanding execution—well done!

Galveston OR - Anna M. DelMonico:

Anna demonstrated exceptional confidence and accuracy in responding to all TJC surveyor questions. Her thorough preparation and professionalism were clearly evident and deeply appreciated. Outstanding work!

Galveston OR - Faith C. Calobreves:

Faith exhibited outstanding expertise and confidence while addressing our TJC surveyors’ questions regarding the bone flap tissue transfer record documentation and compliance. Her thorough understanding, clear communication, and professional demeanor were truly commendable. Excellent work!

Galveston & CLC OR - Jocelyn Breckon:

Jocelyn demonstrated exceptional skill in responding confidently and accurately to questions from our TJC surveyors regarding her role as a perfusionist (during both the surveys I observed: Galveston OR and CLC OR). Her professionalism and preparedness were clearly evident and greatly appreciated. Outstanding work!

John Sealy Pediatrics - Emily Nicoletti:

Emily consistently exemplifies excellence, and this was especially evident during the TJC survey of her units. Her comprehensive knowledge of Quality metrics and initiatives in her unit, along with the evident strength and preparedness of her entire team, was truly commendable. Exceptional leadership and execution—well done!

John Sealy Pediatrics - Rinta Thomas:

Rinta demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating the patient’s chart and responding confidently and accurately to questions from our TJC surveyors. Her professionalism and preparedness were clearly evident and greatly appreciated. Outstanding work!

There are, of course, many others. Keep an eye on this space as we share those kudos over the next few months.

As is to be expected with such a huge and intense endeavor, they also found some opportunities for improvement. As a team, UTMB Health will respond appropriately to resolve those issues as it continues to improve its commitment to providing a positive patient experience and the best possible outcomes.

About The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission was founded in 1951 with an aim to improve health care and safety for the public by evaluating an organization's ability to provide safe and high-quality care. Over 22,000 health care organizations and programs are accredited and certified by The Joint Commission.

Accreditation is not mandatory, but it is a way for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, high-quality, efficient care.

The Joint Commission conducts an accreditation survey at least every 36 months to evaluate the organization’s compliance with the standards. All accreditation surveys are unannounced. The organization can expect experts that are trained on standard interpretation who are also doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.

The surveyors randomly select patients and use a tracer methodology to evaluate the patient’s experience and how the organization provides care within the standards. Surveyors observe staff and providers providing care, interview health care teams that interact with patients and review medical records to make their assessment.

The Joint Commission standards are an objective evaluation process that focuses on patient care and organizational functions. They are developed with input from health care professionals and providers, subject matter experts and government agencies (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and are reviewed by the Board of Commissioners.