Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Receives National Recertification for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery

Members of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's joint surgery team recently celebrated achieving their seventh consecutive Joint Commission Certification for total hip and knee replacement surgery since 2012.

Somerville, NJ, June 17, 2026 - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has received recertification by The Joint Commission, the nation's largest health accreditation agency, for total hip and total knee replacement surgery, earning its Gold Seal of Approval. The recertification came after an onsite review earlier this month of the hospital's compliance with disease-specific care standards for total hip and total knee replacement. It is the hospital's seventh consecutive Joint Commission Certification for total hip and knee replacement surgery since 2012.

"The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval says it all - our community can be assured that they are getting the highest quality orthopedic care," said Deirdre Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. "Being able to achieve this certification seven consecutive times demonstrates the commitment of everyone who cares for our joint surgery patients, from pre-operative education through discharge and recovery."

"Joint pain can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and in many cases, surgery may be the best option for lasting relief," said orthopedic surgeon Stephen Kayiaros, MD, who is Medical Director of RWJUH Somerset's Joint Surgery Program. "Our team is focused on providing the best surgical outcomes for our patients so that they can get back to doing the things they enjoy."

The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval is just one of several national accolades the hospital has received for its Joint Surgery Program. The hospital was recently recognized for orthopedic care as one of Newsweek's America's Best Hospitals for Specialized Care 2026. In the U.S. News & World Report annual hospital rankings and ratings announced in July, RWJUH Somerset achieved a High Performing Specialty rating for Orthopedics. High Performing Specialty ratings are given to hospital programs whose overall U.S. News score is in the top 10 percent in the nation for outcomes, patient experience, advanced capabilities and expert opinion scores.

The hospital has also earned the Healthgrades' 2025 Surgical Care Excellence Award, placing it among the top 10 percent in the nation for surgical care. In addition, RWJBarnabas Health has been recognized by Becker's Healthcare as one of the nation's 100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs.

RWJUH Somerset's comprehensive joint care includes experienced orthopedic surgeons, a dedicated Joint Care Coordinator, pre-surgical education, a specialized perioperative and inpatient nursing team and physical and occupational therapy that begins on the day of surgery. The hospital added robotic surgery for total hip and knee replacement surgery in 2025, helping to enhance surgical precision, personalize treatment and accelerate patient recovery.

After surgery, patients are cared for in the hospital's 3 Pavilion Surgical Unit, which opened in early 2025. The unit features all-private patient rooms and a rehabilitation gym. RWJUH Somerset also offers four physical therapy locations in Central New Jersey for post-surgical patients.

Learn more about orthopedic services at RWJUH Somerset.

About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Located in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a nationally accredited, 343-bed regional hospital providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical, behavioral health and rehabilitative services to central New Jersey residents. As a designated teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the hospital maintains a family medicine residency program with 21 residents.

RWJUH Somerset has earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence.

The Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJUH Somerset is accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. RWJBarnabas Health and RWJUH Somerset together with Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - provide access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials, cellular therapies and precision medicine, close to home.

For more information, visit https://www.rwjbh.org/somerset.

Contact: Kathleen Roberts