Franklin Woods Community Hospital distinguished as Center of Excellence in Robotics Surgery
Franklin Woods Community Hospital is now recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotics Surgery, highlighting Ballad Health’s commitment to providing the top-quality patient care with the latest, leading technology.
In addition, three surgeons who practice at the hospital earned accreditation as a Surgeon of Excellence from the Surgical Review Corporation: Dr. John (Trey) Robertson III, with Premier Surgical Lawson Group; Dr. Kenneth Cutshall, with Premier Surgical Lawson Group; and Dr. Michael Hodge, with State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA) Surgical Group. The Surgical Review Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety, offers top-tier accreditation programs for medical professionals, surgeons, hospitals and freestanding outpatient facilities worldwide, improving the safety and quality of patient care and lowering the overall costs associated with successful treatment.
“We take pride in offering the latest technology to benefit our patients,” said Lisa Carter, president of Ballad Health’s Southern Region, which includes Franklin Woods. “With robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons can use the most advanced and precise surgical systems, which means our patients receive top-notch care. We’re proud of our surgeons who work hard and train hard to ensure they’re using the latest best practices and are the reason we’re able to provide the high-quality care that we do.”
As an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence Facility, Franklin Woods Community Hospital has demonstrated a commitment to safety, high-quality care and optimal patient outcomes. The requirements for accreditation programs have been proven to improve outcomes and reduce the time patients spend in the hospital.
“Ballad Health has long been committed to investing in the latest and greatest technology in robotic-assisted surgery, but we also need dedicated and experienced surgeons to ensure high-quality care for every patient who uses our services at Franklin Woods,” said Dr. Trey Robertson, program director of robotics at Franklin Woods and chair of the facility’s department of surgery and quality committee. “This accreditation shows what we already know to be true at Franklin Woods – our team there is dedicated to every patient we serve.”
Dr. Robertson serves as a partner in the Premier Surgical Group, a national leader in robotic-assisted surgery, and he often trains other surgeons to use the latest robotic systems. Additionally, Dr. Robertson was recently elected to serve on the Quality, Service and Safety Committee on the Ballad Health Board of Directors.
“Franklin Woods has a long, proud history of excellent patient care, and you can see the evidence in the phenomenal leadership we are proud to have at our hospital,” said Dr. Melanie Stanton, DNP, CEO of Franklin Woods. “I’m fortunate to work with team members who try to make that possible every single day, and I can say with certainty that our surgeons are some of the most qualified around. We are very proud of Drs. Robertson, Cutshall and Hodge for their accomplishments, as our community benefits from their dedication to providing the top care with the latest technology.”
In a robotic-assisted surgery, a surgeon uses a robotic system – such as the da Vinci surgical system – to perform delicate procedures through small incisions usually no more than two centimeters long. The system allows surgeons to use a magnified view and tiny instruments to enhance the surgeon’s vision and control during the procedures, expanding their already expert skillset. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for quicker recovery and better outcomes for patients.
“This recognition is a testament to the skill and dedication of our surgeons and entire team at Franklin Woods, who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive the best possible care,” Carter said. “As we celebrate this remarkable achievement at Franklin Woods, we reaffirm Ballad Health’s commitment to advancing patient care through innovation.
“Excellence is not a fixed target – it requires consistent advancement in technology and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals passionate about delivering the best care using best practices. Through Ballad Health’s investments and the commitment of our team members, we’re always at work to secure excellence at all our facilities in the Appalachian Highlands.”
Ballad Health is taking a systemwide approach to ensuring residents of the Appalachian Highlands have access to high-quality robotics care, currently offering robotic-assisted surgery at locations throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including three community hospitals, and the health system has also developed a robotics training program for new and incoming surgeons. Da Vinci surgical systems have been in use in Ballad Health facilities since 2008, with more than 16,000 robotic-assisted procedures performed throughout the health system to date. The surgical technology is an option for multiple surgical specialties, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, urological surgery and gynecologic surgery.
Furthermore, both Bristol Regional Medical Center and Holston Valley Medical Center have begun the process to become a Center of Excellence in Robotics, highlighting Ballad Health’s commitment to ensure its regional robotics program meets high standards.
Patients should consult with their doctor to see if robotic-assisted surgery is right for them. Read more about Ballad Health’s robotic-assisted surgery program at www.balladhealth.org/robotics. Learn more about the Surgical Review Corporation at www.surgicalreview.org.
