CONYERS Rockdale Medical Center received special recognition from the Joint Commission after undergoing a rigorous on-site review in December.
The hospital was awarded the Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers which signifies its dedication to improving stroke patient outcomes.
Rockdale Medical Center is thoroughly committed to providing our patients the highest quality stroke care centered on current scientific research to ensure continued improvement in treatment, said Deborah Armstrong, CEO. In addition to our Joint Commission accreditation, the Primary Stroke Center Certification has given us the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients, and help us improve care overall for our community.
A Joint Commission expert reviewed Rockdale Medicals compliance with the requirements for the Joint Commissions Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements, such as collecting Joint Commission core measure data and using if for performance improvement activities.
In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Rockdale Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients, said Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission in a press release. Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Rockdale for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.
The Joint Commissions Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the Brain Attack Coalitions Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers and was developed in cooperation with the American Stroke Association, launching in 2003. Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.
The ability to provide excellent care is a result of outstanding teamwork, Armstrong said. Under the direction of Dr. Bryan Riggeal, Neurologist/Stroke Program director, and Emergency Department Director/Stroke Coordinator Karen Young, R.N., an in-house stroke team, made up of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists and case managers, collaborated on patient care throughout the treatment process.
Armstrong also commended National EMS, who many times are the first line of patient care. Theyre able to identify a stroke, or stroke symptoms, while in the field. Having this information before the patient arrives at the hospital means our Emergency Department personnel save valuable minutes in treatment time, Armstrong said.
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Rockdale Medical Center awarded Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers