Third in a row Golden Seal from the Joint Commission International for Zhan Mitrev Clinic. This recertification confirms once more that this healthcare institution possesses the highest standards with respect to the quality of the healthcare services and patient safety care.
“From the analysis we determined that Zhan Mitrev Clinic has the capacity and the potential to be the Mayo Clinic not only for the Balkans, but also Europe. It has great capacity in the operating rooms and expertise of the medical staff, a well-functioning health information system, great commitment and professionalism of the physicians and other staff and most importantly, this hospital has excellent leadership”, said Dr. Michael Nwynn, member of the Joint Commission International’s accreditation committee.
This certificate once again placed the Zhan Mitrev Clinic on an equal footing with all the other internationally accredited institutions. The work of the Zhan Mitrev Clinic was surveyed by a survey team of three members from the headquarters of the Joint Commission International in Chicago.
“The accreditation evaluation includes 1200 measurable elements and according to the final survey report, the final assessment is that all the conditions have been met. In receiving the reaccreditation, particular attention should be placed on improving the performance of the hospital, and here it is evident that all of the processes have been greatly improved. The overall performance, functioning, quality, and the safety of the patients and of the staff are on an exceptionally high level and appropriate for receiving the Golden Seal of the Joint Commission International”, said Mrs. Britt de Cordier, member of the Joint Commission International’s accreditation committee.
The reaccreditation report concluded that the Zhan Mitrev Clinic represented its country and international medical practice on a very high level.
“To be among the JCI accredited hospitals is prestigious internationally. Nevertheless, this accreditation means to us much more because we receive it at a time of a paradoxical situation when we are accused because of our success and our quality. The entire team of the Zhan Mitrev Clinic bore a huge burden during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw here the most difficult patients with COVID-related complications, in our Intensive Care Unit. We achieved great results with huge efforts and saved the lives of many patients. Our work does not stop here, we continue with the utmost commitment to care for the wellbeing of our patients” said Dr. Zhan Mitrev.
The clinic was first accredited by JCI in 2017, then in 2020, during the wake of the COVID pandemic is was one of the few hospital internationally that did not postpone its reaccreditation and was reaccredited. This accreditation is the third in row that passed without remarks.
JCI was formed in the United States of America in 1994 as an independent nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare institutions worldwide. The JCI accreditation is considered the Golden Standard in global healthcare with respect to service quality and patient safety.
23 years ago, we introduced cardiovascular surgery in Macedonia so that the people could receive best quality medical services. Today we mark 23 years of existence.
390 000 patients
40 000 surgeries
Over 1 million examinations
350 employees
The Zan Mitrev Clinic story began on this day in 2000, exactly 23 years ago. The cornerstones of the former Hospital “Philip II” were laid in a leased area of the Skopje Military Hospital, where the first by-pass surgery in the country, led by Dr. Zan Mitrev, was performed. We started with only six employees, a single operating room and twelve (12) hospital beds. Thanks to the great dedication, persistence, endurance, and of course, the patients’ faith, slowly but surely, we developed and grew into the most modern medical centre offering full diagnostic procedures in most medical branches, supported by modern surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care. Challenges existed back then and will also exist in the future, however, we never lost sight of the vision that started the whole thing: Health Care Service Excellence. The goal to provide the people of Macedonia with the best medical service, based on the highest set of standards in the world, has been reached.
As off 2016, “Zan Mitrev Clinic” is located in a new, modern facility, an investment of 40 million euros, with the main mission being to focus on hospital development and achieving the highest service excellence. The Clinic has an area of 17,000 m2, with several operating rooms, intensive and semi-intensive care units where our team of over 350 professionals operates. The Clinic was built based on facility planning, in accordance with its purpose, and meets the highest environmental standards with no CO2 print (Carbon Footprint). It is a fully digital facility (DFM), paper is almost never used in day-to-day operations. Zan Mitrev Clinic waws among the first in Europe to set up a Genetics Laboratory and combine various genetic trials into a routine daily practice. The combination of an individual approach to pharmacogenetics i.e., tolerance/intolerance to certain drugs was the outset of the personalised medicine application tailored to each patient, which helps prevent possible fatal consequences in patients. Another confirmation of our accomplishments is the fact that in 2020, even in a time of pandemic, we received, for a second time, a Gold Seal Quality Care Programme Accreditation by the Joint Commission International.
In recent years the need for regional presence has arisen. This is why two major diagnostic centres were opened under the Zan Mitrev Diagnostics brand, first one in Strumica and then the other one in Bitola. The purpose behind the opening of these centres was to guarantee the level and quality of our services locally as well as to help patients feel better, safer, and happier.
The Zan Mitrev Clinic continuously invests in constant education and professional development of its employees, hence creating best quality staff ready to face all challenges. “By following new medical technologies and application of the latest medical equipment, we generate staff, which is a serious long-term investment and based on which we actually achieve our exceptional results. Realistically, we have doctors who are far better trained and with superior professional performance compared to many doctors around the world,” says Dr. Mitrev. WHAT MAKES THIS CLINIC EXCEPTIONAL IS THE UNIQUE APPROACH OFFERING FREE OF CHARGE SURGERY FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART AND BLOOD VESSEL CONDITIONS FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION WITH THE STATE HEALTH CARE FUND FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY ALLOWS PATIENTS TO RECEIVE THESE TOP SERVICES FOR FREE.
Although so far only in the sector of cardiovascular surgery, this still is an example, i.e. it demonstrates how much potential for development of the health care system there is if the working conditions/procedures change.
“Zan Mitrev Clinic” is a classic example of a vision being achieved, a concept that was not at all easy to accomplish and is an illustration for many young people that they can achieve great things here at home. We are proud of the entire team that made this happen and of course eternally grateful to our patients who entrust us with the most precious thing – their health.
In patients with severe aortic valve disease, aortic stenosis (narrowing), the only solution is the aortic valve replacement. The replacement may be done with a cardiac surgery or the TAVI procedure.
The classical surgery as a solution for aortic valve replacement involves a number of risks, as well as a slower recovery. Yet, the TAVI method excludes the surgery, i. e. opening the patient’s chest.
What is the TAVI procedure and whom is it intended?
The TAVI, or a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, is a procedure for treatment of a severe aortic stenosis without a surgery. This means a less invasive approach, implantation of an artificial valve without incision in the sternum bone, using a sophisticated catheterization system, through the groin arteries.
Even though the TAVI is still considered a relatively new procedure, it is widely used and approved in the United States and in the European Union for the treatment of certain high-risk patients with a severe aortic stenosis.
What are the advantages?
The newest medical discoveries indicate that the high-risk patients with a severe aortic stenosis are best treated with a TAVI procedure, which is safer as an intervention compared to the conventional aortic valve disease surgery. The TAVI procedure is a treatment of choice for these patients for several reasons:
less trauma during this intervention,
greater patient comfort,
fewer peri-procedural and post-procedural complications and outcome, contrary to the classical surgery
treatment of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis.
How is the procedure performed?
After a correct echo graphic assessment and angiographic heart check-up has been completed, also to the aorta, to the peripheral blood vessels, as well as a selective coronary angiography, the TAVI procedure is started, i. e. the placing of a transcatheter aortic through a small incision in the groin area.
The placement of the aortic valve through a catheter (TAVI) is performed in an angiography room. The patient is under general anesthesia. A temporary pacemaker is placed in the jugular vein, to control the pulse rate during the application of the aortic biological valve. Through the groin artery (left or right) which is surgically opened, plastic tubes are placed through which the biological aortic valve is introduced until the heart and it is fixed in the place of the old valve. After the biological valve is set, it immediately starts its function. The placement is made during a continuous X-ray supervision and frequent aortographies (before, during and after the implantation) and a pacemaker set on a rate of 180 / min. After the setting of a new valve, follows the surgical closure of the groin artery and movement of the patient in the intensive care ward. After the intervention, patients usually stay in the hospital under observation for only 24 hours, i. e. until the next day, and then they are released home with a prescribed therapy. Of course, in certain procedures where complications have emerged, the patient might need surgical treatment.
What is the success and what are the risks of this procedure?
With a good preliminary assessment and a highly educated and experienced team, the chances of success of the intervention are high and reach the figure of about 98%.
In some patients, however, complications may occur. They may be of a prosthesis displacement kind, or complications from other organs and systems like the kidneys, the lungs, the brain, or eventually injury to the aorta. In these rare cases, further treatment is being additionally considered, whether interventional, surgical or with medications. But in general, the percentage of bad outcomes or a death is very small, almost negligible.
In the Clinical hospital Zan Mitrev, the angio team of experienced doctors consisting of: Dr. Vilma Ampova-Sokolov, Dr. Ivan Milev, Dr. Shpend Idrizi, Dr. Nikola Hristov, together with the nurses Sonja Rusevska, Vesna Milev and Suzana Kostovska, continuously and successfully perform the TAVI procedures.
Last month, the urological team from the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital consisting of Dr. Goran Jovic, and the doctor on specialization, Dr. Viktor Grujevski, with the nurse Aleksandra Ristovska – Tunev, paid an educational visit to the Medipol Hospital in Istanbul. The purpose of the visit was to participate in the performance of several lithotripsy – surgeries for breaking kidney stone, using the Jeta laser device. During the surgeries, which our team attended, crashing of kidney stone, as well as a stone in the urethra, were performed, during which specific experiences and guidelines on the methodology to perform these procedures were shared. At the same time, techniques were developed and applied for removal of the bladder and prostate tumors.
After this educational procedure, our team is ready to perform these surgeries with the Jeta laser device, that we have in our hospital.
Have you ever heard about a lithotripsy?
Sounds complicated and strange to you? It is actually a procedure for breaking stones (calculi) in the urogenital areas using a laser device.
The problem of calcium deposits existence, which create stone formations of different sizes, is frequent one, and can be very disturbing and painful. Most often, except with severe pain in the lower abdomen, it can be manifested by the presence of blood and even small pieces in the urine. These stones can also cause infections that can lead to various urinary tract problems.
The presence of stones is diagnosed by echo of the urethra, the bladder or the kidneys, after which the doctor will recommend the following steps to resolve this problem. At the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital, we use a laser to break stones in the urogenital tract, which is effective for the treatment of all different types and chemical compositions of stones and is an optimal solution, even for those stones that are particularly difficult to access. The procedure is performed in the hospital by a properly trained urologist.
This approach is a great alternative to the traditional lithotripsy because it involves a lower risk of complications and a higher degree of efficiency and safety, regardless of the type of stones that are be treated. Compared to the other surgical procedures, it has the undeniable advantage of minimizing the bleeding and the stone movement (retropulsion) during the surgery.
There are many benefits for patients, and some of them are:
Minimum invasive method
The symptoms resolve immediately
Very short recovery time and return to the everyday activities
The clinic has a unique approach with free surgeries for the cardiovascular patients, for over 20 years. The successful cooperation with the Public health fund for the cardiac surgery patients, enables the patients to receive these top services for free.
The top services of the modern medicine, the results based on fast and accurate diagnosis, the disease prevention, the performing complex surgeries – are our mission for which we exist, always focused on the work, in order to increase and to expand the club of content patients.
In, the distant, year 2000, in a rented part of the Military Hospital in Skopje, the outlines of the special hospital for surgical diseases “Filip Vtori” were set-up. That was our baptism by fire, marked by the first bypass surgery in the Republic of Macedonia, led by academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
Today, the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital has a great reason to celebrate – the marking of its 22nd anniversary of existence. It is a true example of a vision made true, which was to provide a top medical service in accordance with the highest standards of a world class. From the very beginning, the clinic has set high standards and has opened new horizons in the Macedonian cardiovascular surgery. The surgery room, with which we started, with 12 hospital beds, has grown into a state-of-the-art medical center, with complete diagnostic procedures in most of the medical branches, supported by services of the modern surgery, anesthesia and intensive care.
The Zan Mitrev Clinical Hospital is located in a new, ultra-modern facility, an investment, 40 million euros worth, in which the main mission is to focus on the development of the hospital and achieving the highest possible quality of services. The clinic covers 17,000 square meters, it has several operating rooms at disposal, intensive care and semi-intensive care units. It is intentionally designed and built, according to its purpose and it meets the highest environmental standards, without any CO2 imprint. It is completely digitalized, the paper is almost never used in the everyday operation. The clinic continuously follows the latest trends and standards, in terms of improving of the operation processes and the safety of patients, from medical malpractice and from nosocomial infections. “A proof of the success is the fact that in 2020, even though in time of a pandemic, for the second time we have received an accreditation with a gold seal, from the “Joint Commission International”. Following the new technology in medicine, the clinic relays with the most contemporary medical devices, such as the lithotripsy urological laser, the state-of-the-art diagnostic devices for magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging and for 3D tomosynthesis mammograph.
In this past period, the necessity for regional presence had also emerged. That is why in the last year, we opened two large diagnostic centers, under the brand of “Zan Mitrev Diagnostic”, first in Strumica, and then in Bitola. Namely, the previously existing polyclinics were completely refurbished, rebranded, with expanded capacities and number of activities. They are equipped with the most technologically advanced devices CT, MR, RTG, EHO. Detailed blood tests are performed in the biochemical laboratories. They also have a daily hospital for patient care, as well as ambulances. The purpose of opening such centers is to guarantee the level and the quality of our services locally and of course, to help the patients to feel better, safer and happier.
We are also proud of our new investment – the Center for aesthetic dermatology, which is a comprehensive medical and cosmetic – dermatological section, that offers a full range of medical and surgical care, as well as aesthetic improvement, – says the head of the Clinic, academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital continuously invests in permanent upgrading and education of its employees, creating top staff ready to face all challenges.
“Following the new technology in the medicine and working with the latest medical devices, we are creating our staff here, which is a very long-term investment on which our excellent results are actually based. Realistically, we have doctors who are far more prepared and with much higher professional performance than many doctors in Germany” – says academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
Among the first in Europe, the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital has set up a genetic laboratory and brought together various genetic tests in routine daily practice. In out laboratory we test the most common 33 pathogenic bacteria and viruses upon the patients` admission in hospital, including the COVID SARS tests. The combination of the individual approach with pharmacogenetics i. e. tolerance / intolerance to certain drugs, was the beginning of the application of personalized medicine, specific to each individual patient, thus preventing any eventual fatal consequences for patients. The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital was the first to start with the application of blood purification or the so-called haemofiltration, which is now being also implemented in patients who are struggling with severe consequences caused by the corona virus.
What makes this clinic special is the unique approach with free surgeries for patients for heart and blood vessels` diseases for more than 20 years. The successful cooperation with the public healthcare fund, for the cardiac surgery cases, provides the patients an ability to get these services for free.
“I think that even after so many years, the people know very little, what do we actually have here in terms of health conditions and standards. I have established a daily work routine and treatment of the most seriously ill, with the highest standards applied. I managed to make these services to be covered by the Public health insurance fund, so the patients to be treated without having to pay additionally. Although only in the area of cardiac surgery, this is still an example, i. e. shows the size of the development potential of the health care, if the functioning conditions undergo change” – explains academician D-r Mitrev.
The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital is a classic example of achieving a vision, a concept that has been painstakingly made true and is an example for many young people that great things can be done, as well, here, at home. In fact, a unique connection has been made between the medicine and business. On one hand, to provide a top medical service in accordance with the highest established standards in the world, to make it accessible to any patient, but at the same time to provide an economic profitability.
For more than two decades, the patients in our country are receiving top medical services in accordance with the highest world standards.
The clinic has a unique approach with free surgeries for the cardiovascular patients, for over 20 years. The successful cooperation with the Public health fund for the cardiac surgery patients, enables the patients to receive these top services for free.
The top services of the modern medicine, the results based on fast and accurate diagnosis, the disease prevention, the performing complex surgeries – are our mission for which we exist, always focused on the work, in order to increase and to expand the club of content patients.
In, the distant, year 2000, in a rented part of the Military Hospital in Skopje, the outlines of the special hospital for surgical diseases “Filip Vtori” were set-up. That was our baptism by fire, marked by the first bypass surgery in the Republic of Macedonia, led by academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
Today, the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital has a great reason to celebrate – the marking of its 22nd anniversary of existence. It is a true example of a vision made true, which was to provide a top medical service in accordance with the highest standards of a world class. From the very beginning, the clinic has set high standards and has opened new horizons in the Macedonian cardiovascular surgery. The surgery room, with which we started, with 12 hospital beds, has grown into a state-of-the-art medical center, with complete diagnostic procedures in most of the medical branches, supported by services of the modern surgery, anesthesia and intensive care.
The Zan Mitrev Clinical Hospital is located in a new, ultra-modern facility, an investment, 40 million euros worth, in which the main mission is to focus on the development of the hospital and achieving the highest possible quality of services. The clinic covers 17,000 square meters, it has several operating rooms at disposal, intensive care and semi-intensive care units. It is intentionally designed and built, according to its purpose and it meets the highest environmental standards, without any CO2 imprint. It is completely digitalized, the paper is almost never used in the everyday operation. The clinic continuously follows the latest trends and standards, in terms of improving of the operation processes and the safety of patients, from medical malpractice and from nosocomial infections. “A proof of the success is the fact that in 2020, even though in time of a pandemic, for the second time we have received an accreditation with a gold seal, from the “Joint Commission International”. Following the new technology in medicine, the clinic relays with the most contemporary medical devices, such as the lithotripsy urological laser, the state-of-the-art diagnostic devices for magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging and for 3D tomosynthesis mammograph.
In this past period, the necessity for regional presence had also emerged. That is why in the last year, we opened two large diagnostic centers, under the brand of “Zan Mitrev Diagnostic”, first in Strumica, and then in Bitola. Namely, the previously existing polyclinics were completely refurbished, rebranded, with expanded capacities and number of activities. They are equipped with the most technologically advanced devices CT, MR, RTG, EHO. Detailed blood tests are performed in the biochemical laboratories. They also have a daily hospital for patient care, as well as ambulances. The purpose of opening such centers is to guarantee the level and the quality of our services locally and of course, to help the patients to feel better, safer and happier.
We are also proud of our new investment – the Center for aesthetic dermatology, which is a comprehensive medical and cosmetic – dermatological section, that offers a full range of medical and surgical care, as well as aesthetic improvement, – says the head of the Clinic, academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital continuously invests in permanent upgrading and education of its employees, creating top staff ready to face all challenges.
“Following the new technology in the medicine and working with the latest medical devices, we are creating our staff here, which is a very long-term investment on which our excellent results are actually based. Realistically, we have doctors who are far more prepared and with much higher professional performance than many doctors in Germany” – says academician D-r Zan Mitrev.
Among the first in Europe, the Zan Mitrev clinical hospital has set up a genetic laboratory and brought together various genetic tests in routine daily practice. In out laboratory we test the most common 33 pathogenic bacteria and viruses upon the patients` admission in hospital, including the COVID SARS tests. The combination of the individual approach with pharmacogenetics i. e. tolerance / intolerance to certain drugs, was the beginning of the application of personalized medicine, specific to each individual patient, thus preventing any eventual fatal consequences for patients. The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital was the first to start with the application of blood purification or the so-called haemofiltration, which is now being also implemented in patients who are struggling with severe consequences caused by the corona virus.
What makes this clinic special is the unique approach with free surgeries for patients for heart and blood vessels` diseases for more than 20 years. The successful cooperation with the public healthcare fund, for the cardiac surgery cases, provides the patients an ability to get these services for free.
“I think that even after so many years, the people know very little, what do we actually have here in terms of health conditions and standards. I have established a daily work routine and treatment of the most seriously ill, with the highest standards applied. I managed to make these services to be covered by the Public health insurance fund, so the patients to be treated without having to pay additionally. Although only in the area of cardiac surgery, this is still an example, i. e. shows the size of the development potential of the health care, if the functioning conditions undergo change” – explains academician D-r Mitrev.
The Zan Mitrev clinical hospital is a classic example of achieving a vision, a concept that has been painstakingly made true and is an example for many young people that great things can be done, as well, here, at home. In fact, a unique connection has been made between the medicine and business. On one hand, to provide a top medical service in accordance with the highest established standards in the world, to make it accessible to any patient, but at the same time to provide an economic profitability.
Continuous investment in practical knowledge is a core value in the everyday work of our doctors. This time, our Aesthetic Dermatology Center held a one-day workshop for dermal fillers application. The education was “hands-on” held by Dr. Gorana Bjelic and Dr. Angelka Ilieva, educators who worked with Belotepo from Merz Aesthetics. All models left happy from their beautification, which was also attended by our dermatologist, Dr. Aleksandra Lazarevska. This is the first workshop of this kind, and more will follow in the Aesthetic Dermatology Centre that is completely equipped for this type of events.
To give means to be human, blood donation saves lives.
As a part of the blood donation activities that took place in Zan Mitrev Clinic, 30 employees, including Dr. Zan Mitrev himself, paused their full work schedules and donated blood that would save lives. This activity is the first of many to come. The signed memo for cooperation will turn this kind of blood donations into a tradition that will be held twice a year.
This year, from 3rd to 9th of August, the 13th summer camp for children with congenital heart defects was organized in Struga. As a project, this camp organized by the ZAN MITREV CLINIC in cooperation with the Red Cross of the city of Skopje has already become a tradition.
The psychological team, consisting of Doc. Dr. Kristina Egumenovska and the Psychologist Marija Adjioska from the clinic as the main organizers, together with our specialist doctors as regular guests, organized appropriate activities in support of the children.
This year, our Pediatrician Prim. Dr. Blagica Mancheva and the Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Milev Ivan joined us and gladly and selflessly answered all the questions and dilemmas shared by the present parents. They also had the opportunity to review development topics of the educational workshops organized by the psychological team.
Through focused and educational games, the children enjoyed a week of socializing, running, acting, competing, laughing and hugging. They had a series of physical and fitness activities professionally led by the Physiotherapist Blazhe Arsov, and they equally enjoyed other fun activities that were faultlessly organized by the volunteers of the Red Cross of Skopje led by the youth coordinator Ana Francikj.
They also had a special surprise from the “Bibi’s world” and stories from “The lynx Riste and friends” by Vesna Konstantinova. Some tears were shed while separating, but with the hope that we will meet next year to learn and have fun running freely on the lawns, tirelessly playing tag and experiencing lots of emotions without the fear that they will overwhelm us.
