Sakurajuji Hospital Achieves 'S Rating' in 13 Categories of Hospital Function Evaluation

Sakurajuji Hospital (Minami Ward, Kumamoto City), the core hospital of the Sakurajuji Group—dedicated to fulfilling life in the era of 100-year lifespans and advancing the frontier of well-being—has received 'S Ratings' in 13 categories following its hospital function evaluation conducted in December 2025 by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care, a public interest foundation.

In this evaluation, Sakurajuji Hospital ranked first among convalescent hospitals nationwide and fifth among approximately 2,000 hospitals across Japan, including acute-care facilities. In addition to its previously high scores in facilities and environment, the hospital saw an increase in 'S Ratings' (indicating excellence) in areas such as rehabilitation, nutritional management, regional collaboration, pharmaceutical management, and medical equipment management.

Signs of Maturity in Hospital Function After Fourth Evaluation

The 'Hospital Function Evaluation' is a system in which a third-party organization assesses the quality of medical care provided by hospitals. The Japan Council for Quality Health Care, established in 1995 as a public interest foundation dedicated to improving national health and welfare, conducts impartial evaluations through specialized review teams. Hospitals meeting certain standards are designated as 'Certified Hospitals.' Evaluations are conducted per item and classified into four levels: S, A, B, and C. The 'S Rating' is awarded only to items that not only meet standards but also demonstrate exceptional, model practices worthy of emulation by other institutions.

Sakurajuji Hospital has consistently undergone this evaluation to enhance the quality of its medical services from an external perspective. This marks the fourth evaluation since its initial certification, reflecting years of continuous improvement. This year, the hospital was particularly recognized for its 'systems' and 'on-site capabilities' that support hospital operations. While past evaluations focused on physical facilities and care environments, the increased number of 'S Ratings' this time reflects excellence in daily practices, interdepartmental collaboration, and sustained improvement efforts—indicating that quality improvement has become embedded in the hospital’s organizational culture.

Key Initiatives That Received High Evaluation

Creating a Healing Environment Beyond 'Treatment'

To ensure patients and their families feel at ease, the hospital has developed unique spaces such as the 'Mattaru Lounge,' 'Share Room,' 'Letter Room,' and 'VOLCAFE'—areas that break from traditional hospital design. Emphasizing emotional comfort and human connection, not just functional utility, the hospital strives to create environments that fulfill patients' lives.

- Mattaru Lounge: Produced by Kuniko Oyama; outpatient lobby renovated in September 2024 - Share Room: Available for birthday celebrations and gatherings - VOLCAFE: Collaboration cafe with Kumamoto Volters - Letter Room: Space for writing letters to family or one’s future self after discharge

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation System

Leveraging the largest rehabilitation setup in the prefecture—700㎡ of space and over 200 rehabilitation staff—the hospital delivers comprehensive rehabilitation services. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists collaborate to support functional recovery after acute care and prepare patients for life after discharge. Close information sharing with wards, early mobilization support, and swallowing assistance ensure holistic rehabilitation from the earliest stages. Daily interdisciplinary coordination enables high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation.

- Spacious rehabilitation rooms - Cardiac rehabilitation program 'Rehabeat' - Advanced rehabilitation equipment enabling diverse training

Nutritional Management That Supports the 'Joy of Eating'

Beyond standard therapeutic meals, the hospital emphasizes delicious and visually appealing food, including seasonal 'Shishiki Zen' meals, local cuisine, and a dessert buffet. Dietitians and chefs collaborate to provide personalized nutrition plans while preserving patients’ enjoyment of eating and individuality.

- Shishiki Zen meals (image shows January menu) - Dessert buffet: Choice and enjoyment - Serving hometown flavors from across Japan within the hospital

Strengthening Foundational Areas for Safe Medical Care

Beyond direct patient services and care environments, the hospital continues to enhance foundational areas that support safe, high-quality care. Departments including pharmaceutical management, medical equipment management, patient safety, infection control, and information sharing work collaboratively with specialized expertise. The hospital actively introduces new equipment and systems while continuously reviewing operations and improving workflows—ensuring a safe and reliable medical environment for patients.

- Proactive adoption of advanced, efficient medical devices - Antimicrobial Stewardship Team - Integration of vital monitors with electronic medical records - 24/7 on-call response system

Community Engagement and Health Promotion

Through its website, social media, and public relations magazine 'Sakurafuwari,' the hospital disseminates information widely. It also hosts health events such as the 'Ikikaki Health Classroom' and public lectures, aiming to inspire community members of all ages to think about health. The hospital views health education and community interaction as essential parts of its mission.

- Sakurajuji Hospital website: https://sakurajuji.or.jp/ - Ikikaki Health Classroom: Community learning program - Participation in health promotion events - Public relations magazine 'Sakurafuwari'

Prioritizing Employee Well-being

The hospital fosters a supportive work environment with an on-site daycare, staff housing, staff cafeteria, and a 24-hour convenience store. Believing that employee well-being directly translates into better patient care and community service, it continuously improves welfare programs and communication systems. These efforts have earned external recognition, including certification as a 'Certified Health Management Company' and the 'Wakuwaku Hospital Award' (Japan’s Best Workplace in Healthcare 2024).

- Staff cafeteria meals at 350 yen per serving - Nine employee circles and clubs - Certified as a Health Management Company in both 2025 and 2026 - Recipient of the Wakuwaku Award at Japan’s Best Workplace in Healthcare 2024

Message from the Chairman and Hospital Director

Sakurajuji Hospital underwent the Hospital Function Evaluation in 2025, its first review in five years. The goals were to exceed the previous number of S Ratings and reduce B Ratings, which indicate areas for improvement. The hospital achieved 13 S Ratings and only 2 B Ratings—an exceptionally high outcome that met its targets. Achieving an S Rating requires not only surpassing standard benchmarks but also demonstrating unique, hospital-specific strengths. Minimizing B Ratings is equally critical.

In a large organization with 630 beds and nearly 1,000 staff members, aligning everyone toward common goals is never easy. However, we believe that daily information sharing and the team-based medical approach across multiple professions were the key driving forces behind this success.