Great Plains Health has earned national accreditation through the American College of Surgeons and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a recognition that highlights the hospital’s commitment to high-quality surgical weight loss care.
The accreditation is valid through 2028 and recognizes Great Plains Health’s bariatric surgery program for meeting rigorous national standards focused on patient safety and quality outcomes. The program supports sustainable weight loss and treatment of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Research has shown accredited centers often achieve fewer complications and better outcomes than non-accredited facilities.
Bariatric surgeries through the program are performed by Dr. Michael Simonson and Dr. Jacob Wiesen, with Simonson serving as Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director.
Jasmine Hahn, surgical weight loss program coordinator at Great Plains Health, said the accreditation reflects the dedication of the entire team and reinforces confidence for patients seeking care close to home.
As an accredited facility, Great Plains Health also joins the ACS Surgical Quality Partner network, a designation recognizing hospitals committed to process improvement, self-evaluation and adherence to high standards in surgical quality.
Simonson said earning the accreditation sets a high standard and expands access to accredited bariatric care for patients in the region without having to travel far from home.
Great Plains Health officials say the accreditation underscores the organization’s focus on delivering specialized surgical care in western Nebraska.
More information about the Great Plains Health Surgical Weight Loss Program is available at gphealth.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss or by calling 308-568-8508.