ELIZABETHTOWN – Bladen County Hospital has made history by becoming the first Critical Access Hospital in the nation to receive Disease Specific Care Certification for the treatment of Sepsis.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal complication stemming from an infection, as small as a paper cut. It occurs when chemicals are released into the bloodstream to fight the infection. The reaction triggers an inflammatory response throughout the body. Multiple organs can be damaged and then fail, as a result.

Disease Specific Certifications are awarded by The Joint Commission to medical facilities and organizations that continuously provide safe, high-quality care, treatment and services by identifying opportunities for improvement and then carrying out those improvements.

Bladen County Hospital is a federally designated Critical Access Hospital, meaning it provides care to a primarily rural area. These areas typically have less access to vital healthcare services and facilities.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, in neighboring Cumberland County, recently became the first hospital in the state to receive Disease Specific Care Certification for Sepsis.

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that certifies and accredits nearly 21,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and programs. The accreditations and certifications are recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects the organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.