State Hospice First To Achieve

National Gold Standard

BRANFORD (AP) — Connecticut Hospice in Branford has received a special certification from The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting group for health care.

During a ceremony on November 14, officials from the facility announced that Connecticut Hospice was the first hospital in the United Stats to receive an advanced certification for palliative care-health care that concentrates on relieving and preventing the pain and suffering of the chronic and terminally ill.

Several other hospitals are in the process of seeking the same certification from The Joint Commission. The program was launched in September 2011.

Connecticut Hospice officials said their facility was evaluated for how it helps patients suffering from serious and chronic diseases, and their families.