LEWISTON—Mainers seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving care at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality.
Central Maine Medical Center has announced that its bariatric surgery program has been named an accredited center by a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
The designation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), means CMMC meets high standards of care, improving patient outcomes and long-term success. Programs that have been accredited offer both pre-and post-operative care designed specifically for patients with obesity.
“This is a recognition of Central Maine’s successful, high-quality program in a very important area of surgery,” said John Hamilton, Director of Oncology and Surgery for Central Maine Healthcare.
Central Maine’s commitment to quality care begins with expertly trained staff and the leadership of experienced surgeons. The program is tasked with continuous review of surgical data and meets essential criteria for staffing, training, and infrastructure. The accreditation required a site visit to the Lewiston center included an extensive survey of facilities, patient care and outcomes.
“It’s excellent to be honored for the care we provide every day to our patients who choose bariatric surgery,” said Dr. Crystal Alvarez, DO. “This surgery can be life changing for our patients and we strive to provide the very best care possible.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of conditions related to obesity.
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About Central Maine Medical Center
Central Maine Medical Center located in Lewiston, is a Level II Trauma Center serving Androscoggin County and the surrounding region. CMMC’s “Centers of Excellence” include the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit, and a Trauma Services Program. CMMC is also the southern Maine base for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only medical helicopter service. Supported by the latest technologies, CMMC’s skilled professionals provide outstanding care delivered with compassion, kindness, and understanding. Learn more at: www.cmmc.org.
About Central Maine Healthcare
Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving 400,000 people living in central, western, and mid-coast Maine. CMH’s hospital facilities include Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital, and Rumford Hospital. CMH also supports Central Maine Medical Group, a primary and specialty care practice organization. Other system services include the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a regional trauma program, LifeFlight of Maine’s southern Maine base, the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, and other high quality clinical services.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.
Contact: Kate Carlisle | carliska@cmhc.org | 207-786-1810
