Holyoke Medical Center Receives Advanced Spine Surgery Certification

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced it is one of the first hospitals in Massachusetts to receive advanced spine surgery certification from DNV Healthcare USA Inc.

This certification affirms excellence in the treatment of musculoskeletal spine and lower back problems at the Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Holyoke Medical Center, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Frederik Pennings. The scope of the advanced spine surgery certification is inclusive of inpatient, outpatient, and same-day elective surgery, including minimally invasive spine surgery procedures.

“We are proud to be one of the first hospitals in Massachusetts to achieve DNV’s advanced spine surgery certification. This is yet another example of the commitment we have to providing our community with the best possible care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. “Achieving advanced certification validates all the effort we have put into this program since opening in April of 2023 to ensure the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV advanced spine surgery certification requirements are informed by the ERAS Society lumbar spinal fusion and orthopaedic guidelines, the guidelines of the North American Spine Society, and relevant requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services conditions of participation for hospitals. The certification also incorporates a quality management system to develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing system for measuring, monitoring, and managing quality and patient safety to continually improve the care of patients.

“Achieving advanced spine surgery certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”