Langley’s hospital lauded for surgical outcomes

This article was written by Heather Colpitts and originally published by the Langley Advance Times.

Langley is one of 10 hospitals in Canada and 76 around the world to be singled out for surgical excellence.

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) recognized the local hospital in as one of its 2024 meritorious hospitals for improving surgical outcomes of adult patients.

“We are fortunate to have incredibly dedicated, capable and compassionate care providers on our surgical teams at Langley Memorial Hospital,” said Dr. Mitra Maharaj, site medical director. “Over the years, we have worked diligently to turn the data provided by the program into sustained improvements in how we deliver care to our community, ensuring we do our very best for every person who comes to Langley for surgical treatment.”

The program focuses on reducing surgical complications and improving patient outcomes. In 2024, it evaluated 609 hospitals round the world.

Participating hospitals track the results of inpatient and outpatient surgeries. The ACS NSQIP committee reviews this information and shares its findings to help hospitals improve performance, meet national standards and provide safer, higher-quality care.

“Data guides our work and every data point represents a patient. By using data with purpose, we not only measure outcomes but improve them,” said Angela Tecson, director, Surgical Safety and Physician Partnerships.

The hospital received top honours in the high-risk categories: mortality, cardiac incidents, pneumonia, unplanned intubation, ventilator use for over 48 hours, renal failure, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infections.

“This award represents the highest level of recognition for surgical quality and safety,” said Esli Matheson Jennings, executive director of Clinical Quality and Patient Experience. “It acknowledges the dedication of Langley Memorial Hospital’s entire surgical team and reinforces our commitment to continually improving care for every patient who comes through our doors.”