Contact: Michaela Vallonio

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E-mail: valloniom@upmc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPMC in Central Pa. Receives Pennsylvania’s First SRC Network of Excellence Accreditation in Hernia Surgery

 Harrisburg, Pa. (March 21, 2024) — UPMC in Central Pa. is first in the state to achieve accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Network of Excellence in Hernia Surgery, reflecting UPMC’s commitment and high standard delivery of quality patient care and safety.

UPMC surgeons in central Pennsylvania perform more than 2,500 hernia repairs yearly using advanced and minimally invasive techniques, including robotics. All UPMC hospitals in the region are recognized as Centers of Excellence in hernia care and have met nationally and internationally recognized standards to obtain the accreditation. Each campus has implemented system-wide pathways and procedures to ensure that excellent care is uniform and irrespective of where patients choose to have their treatment performed.

Recognized hospitals under Network of Excellence in Hernia Surgery:

• UPMC Carlisle
• UPMC Community Osteopathic
• UPMC Hanover
• UPMC Harrisburg
• UPMC Lititz
• UPMC Memorial
• UPMC West Shore

Hernia repairs are in-depth procedures where a variety of techniques are chosen and used to meet individual patient needs. Kurtis Childers, D.O., director, UPMC Comprehensive Hernia Center, along with hospital staff, exceed hernia repair standards that result in patients’ increase in quality of life.

“Congratulations to Dr. Childers who has been a driving force in making this accolade come to fruition,” said Jason Marx, M.D., president, Physician Services, UPMC in Central Pa. “Dr. Childers worked extensively with our hospital teams to coordinate and achieve this recognition that demonstrates our commitment to delivering safe and effective patient care to the central Pennsylvania region.”

UPMC hospitals in central Pennsylvania underwent an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure all locations meet SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include high surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment.

“We’re proud to recognize UPMC for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

To learn more about UPMC’s hernia and general surgery services, visit www.upmc.com/services/south-central-pa/surgery.

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About UPMC

 UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide more than $1 billion every year in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers 4 million members with a focus on providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.

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