Published: Monday, September 22, 2014 at 5:38 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, September 22, 2014 at 5:38 p.m.
The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recently recognized Wake Forest Baptist Health Lexington Medical Center with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.
Achievement of Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies the hospital's dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients, according to a press release.
Lexington Medical Center has continuously maintained certification since initially being certified in 2010 by demonstrating that its program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. It also serves as a signal to the community that the quality of care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Lexington Medical Center underwent an on-site review conducted by a Joint Commission expert in early September. The surveyor reviewed its compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification Program as well as primary stroke center requirements. The expert thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the care provided to actual stroke patients as they moved from the emergency department to the intensive care unit to the medical surgical unit, including all the support staff instrumental in their care. Patient interviews were conducted as well as interviews with physicians and staff.
"In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Lexington Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients," said Dr. Jean Range, C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. "Certification is a voluntary process, and The Joint Commission commends Lexington Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."
Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003, The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the Brain Attack Coalition's "Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers." Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.
"Lexington 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 Bill James, hospital president. "In addition to our hospital-wide accreditation by the Joint Commission, 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."
James commended the Lexington Medical Center physicians and staff who work tirelessly every day to provide efficient, quality and safe care for stroke patients and those who work to educate the community about stroke prevention. "It takes a dedicated team to achieve the results we have accomplished," he said.
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Hospital learns disease-specific certification as primary stroke center