Colorado Hospital Named Leading Laboratory for Exemplary Service and Management

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) laboratory is the first laboratory to achieve the Leading Laboratories recognition since the program’s recent relaunch. The Leading Laboratories program, originally open only to laboratories that pass inspection by The Joint Commission, now allows all laboratories to apply for recognition. CMHHIP is the sixth laboratory in the nation to achieve this designation.   

The Leading Laboratories designation recognizes laboratory teams for exemplary leadership, mentorship, and innovative best practices. The designation supports a positive, patient-centric mission, increasing visibility for laboratories and their vital role in a patient’s healthcare journey.   

“We are deeply gratified that national accreditation has recognized the excellence of this laboratory, that was apparent to me from the start,” says A.O. Singleton, III, MD, chief of medical staff at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo.   

Blair Presti, MD, medical director of the laboratory, notes, “This is a well-deserved accreditation recognizing the excellence of the laboratory, its personnel, and its leadership.”  

CMHHIP is a 516-bed acute care psychiatric hospital with a fully functioning laboratory of 12 staff members.   

Christina Bazanele-Sabatka, MLS(ASCP)CM, CMHHIP director of laboratory service, adds, “This designation allows our team to show the laboratory’s success. Throughout this application process, we motivated and lifted one another up to achieve that goal.” 

The impetus to apply for the Leading Laboratories designation began last fall, following an inspection of the laboratory by The Joint Commission. During that time, the auditor expressed high praise for the laboratory department and recommended to the hospital leadership that they apply for Leading Laboratories status.  

“We worked as a team and were put in touch with ASCP, which informed us that we met the criteria to move forward with the application,” Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka explains. “We began the process in December and worked together to finish by May. Throughout the application process, the laboratory team collaborated on group projects and  incorporated staff input on key outcomes, indicators, and metrics in the areas of quality outcomes, professional development, trusted leadership, and laboratory visibility.”   

The CMHHIP Laboratory fosters a collaborative and transparent environment by partnering with medical providers, hospital leadership, community organizations, and staff to enhance quality outcomes. It actively supports employees' professional growth by providing resources and encourages open communication and idea-sharing to facilitate process improvement. Additionally, the laboratory emphasizes visibility and community engagement, aiming to shift perceptions by highlighting the vital role of scientists in patient care, thereby encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of their contributions in a clinical setting.