Portsmouth's Bariatric Surgery Program reaccredited as a designated comprehensive center

Portsmouth, NH — Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Program has been reaccredited as a Designated Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

“This accreditation reaffirms Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s continued commitment to providing high-quality care and supporting patient safety efforts for weight management and surgical weight loss,” said Bernard Benedetto, MD, bariatric surgeon at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. “Our dedicated team works collaboratively to address the needs of those affected by obesity – through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered care approach, ultimately providing our patients with exceptional outcomes and helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

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 diseases and conditions commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks.

The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity.

To earn MBSAQIP accreditation, Portsmouth Regional Hospital met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure, and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifies opportunities for quality improvement. These are published by the ACS and the ASMBS.

To learn more about the Portsmouth Regional Hospital bariatric surgery program, call 603-433-4984 or visit their website.