---
title: "Novato Hospital Earns Spine Surgery Certification Honor | Sutter Health"
description: "Sutter's Novato Community Hospital becomes the only hospital in the Sutter system to earn The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification for Spine Surgery."
url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutters-novato-community-hospital-earns-advanced-spine-surgery-certification-from-the-joint"
---

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4.  Sutters Novato Community Hospital Earns Advanced Spine Surgery Certification From The Joint

# Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital Earns Advanced Spine Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission

Sutter's Novato Community Hospital becomes the only hospital in the Sutter system to earn The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification for Spine Surgery.

February 28, 2025 by Sutter Health

![Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital Earns Advanced Spine Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/press-releases/19-SPMF_HOSP_180_Rowland_Way_Novato-1fe37fab.jpg?h=1200&iar=0&w=1800 "Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital Earns Advanced Spine Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission")

Novato, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2025) – Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital, part of Sutter Health, has earned The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Spine Surgery, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered spine care.

“This prestigious designation reflects Novato Community Hospital’s commitment to excellence in surgical outcomes, patient safety and multidisciplinary collaboration,” said Lisa Gammon, hospital CEO. “Novato Community Hospital is the only hospital in the Sutter system to achieve this advanced recognition. I am incredibly proud of this team for consistently raising the bar in patient care.”

The Joint Commission’s [Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery](https://www.jointcommission.org/what-we-offer/certification/certifications-by-setting/hospital-certifications/orthopedic-certification/advanced-orthopedic/advanced-certification-in-spine-surgery/) is awarded to select hospitals that meet rigorous standards for spine surgery, including preoperative evaluation, surgical intervention and postoperative care. Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital – following a thorough, two-day, in-person evaluation on February 21-22 – was found to adhere to evidence-based practices and demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement. The hospital was also shown to consistently meet or exceed national benchmarks for patient safety and outcomes across its spine program.

“This certification reflects the exceptional work of our team of surgeons, nurses, physical therapists and support staff,” said Jennifer Lehr, senior director of orthopedic programs at Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital. “Spinal issues can be life-altering, impacting mobility and overall well-being. Patients, whether coming from around the world or based right here in our community, can feel confident knowing they are receiving advanced surgical treatment in a hospital recognized for the highest standards of quality and safety.”

Spine surgery may be recommended for patients with severe conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures or deformities like scoliosis that cause chronic pain or limit mobility.

![Group of healthcare workers](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/press-releases/Novato-Community-Hospital-spine-surgery-team-4fb1d844.jpeg "The team gathers to celebrate Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital earning Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery from The Joint Commission following a successful survey audit. | February 22, 2025")

Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital  is a regional leader in orthopedic and spine care, [earning recognition](https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/awards) among Healthgrades’ America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement and America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery. It is also designated a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and recognized as a U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025 High-Performing hospital in Hip Replacement.

**Elevating Spine Surgery Excellence**

Sutter Health is a trusted destination for advanced spine care, offering expertise in complex spine reconstructions, minimally invasive spine surgery and a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical treatments for spinal disorders.

“Sutter Health is committed to expanding access to world-class specialty care, and this advanced certification from The Joint Commission is a testament to Novato Community Hospital’s role as a leader in orthopedics and spine surgery,” said Keegan Kirby, vice president of Sutter’s orthopedic service line.

## Topics

[Back and spine health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Back+and+spine+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)

## Back and spine surgery

Relieving spine pain is key to restoring your movement and quality of life. If you're facing a spine condition needing surgery, our specialists can provide advanced surgical care, pain relief and recovery support.

[Learn more about Back and spine surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/back-spine-surgery)

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### [Cultivating Strength to Flow, Thrive After Spine Surgery](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/cultivating-strength-to-flow-and-thrive)

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