Westmoreland Hospital Attains National Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

Accreditation demonstrates Independence Health System’s commitment to ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery

Greensburg, Pa., Jan 27, 2026 — Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital today announced that they have received reaccreditation under 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).

MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea, and others. Research shows accredited centers experience lower complications, and better outcomes than that of non-accredited facilities.

“Our reaccreditation reflects the exceptional dedication of our entire bariatric team,” said Mark Zelkovic, MD, FACS, medical director of the Weight Management Center. “This recognition is a testament not only to our clinical excellence, but also to the compassion, skill, and professionalism that define every patient interaction. From our surgeons, medical physicians and advanced practice providers to our nurses, dietitians, exercise therapists, behavioral health specialists, and support staff, each member plays a vital role in guiding patients through their weightloss journey. We are honored to continue serving our community with the highest level of expertise and commitment.”

As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, Westmoreland Hospital also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know Westmoreland Hospital is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or reaccredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.

“Achieving MBSAQIP reaccreditation underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional care for patients seeking surgical treatment options and support for weight loss,” said Brian Fritz, president of Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals. “This recognition reflects the hard work and collaboration of our entire team and reinforces our mission to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care that improves lives across our community.”

"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

Learn more about the MBSAQIP.

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About Independence Health System

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the nation. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in obesity, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved outcomes for morbidly obese patients. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org.