Osakidetza's Cruces University Hospital has been awarded the most prestigious international accreditation in care.

• It is the first public hospital of its kind in Spain - in terms of size and level - to obtain this accreditation, the most demanding international accreditation in the health sector.
• This esteemed accreditation was awarded by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world's leading healthcare quality improvement and certification body.
• This achievement is a testament to the Cruces University Hospital's unwavering dedication to providing safer and more efficient care for patients.

Cruces University Hospital of Osakidetza has obtained accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI). This organisation evaluates the quality of care provided, with a particular focus on patient safety and the reduction of risks in clinical processes. This makes it the first public hospital of its size and characteristics in Spain to obtain this prestigious accreditation. This achievement signifies that the hospital has not only met the exacting international criteria, but also evidences a sustained dedication to enhancing patient care, thereby establishing the hospital as a leader in healthcare.

The Regional Minister of Health, Alberto Martínez, has extended his congratulations to all employees, as well as the management and administration of the Cruces University Hospital, for their efforts and daily work. He has also wished to make this milestone known to all members of society, so that “the recognition is extensive.” Martínez has emphasised that Cruces is the first public hospital of this scale and complexity in Spain to gain this esteemed international accreditation. This is a “testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire Cruces University Hospital team.”

For a period of seven days, a team of JCI auditors, comprising experts from the world's foremost organisation in the field of patient safety and healthcare quality improvement, assessed compliance with nearly 1,400 quality standards. In addition to the management of services and care, aspects such as the correct identification of patients; the effectiveness of patient communication; the safety of high-risk medication; the reduction of the risk of healthcare-associated infections; and the reduction of the risk of injuries caused by falls, all of which are international patient safety targets, are measured.

This accreditation reflects the continuous improvement in healthcare quality and patient safety that Cruces University Hospital has been pursuing for years. The hospital has demonstrated its ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the Joint Commission International, which has granted it accreditation.

The achievement of this quality milestone has been made possible by the dedication and commitment of the entire organisation's professionals, who have demonstrated remarkable effort in developing and implementing strategies to enhance patient care and safety.

Since 2016, Osakidetza has also been proud to welcome another centre accredited by the Joint Commission International: the Alto Deba Regional Hospital of the OSI Debagoiena.

This new accreditation places Osakidetza at the forefront of patient care safety measures in Spain, reinforcing the high standards of quality and safety associated with the Basque Public Health System.