Augusta Health awarded Primary Stroke Center certification

After undergoing an on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, Augusta Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, and has been re-certified as a Primary Stroke Center.  Augusta Health’s Stroke Program was first certified by The Joint Commission in 2009.

“In stroke care, time is brain,” says Jean E. Range, MS, RN, CPHQ, executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission.  “By achieving certification as a Primary Stroke Center, Augusta Health has proven that it has the ability to provide effective, timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.”

Each year, about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death.  On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes.  Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.

Dr. Robert McMahon, Medical Director of the Augusta Health Stroke Program, adds, “Our Stroke Team works continuously to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and meet all national standards.  The Joint Commission’s certification as a Primary Stroke Center is recognition that we do more than meet those standards.  It’s an acknowledgment and confirmation that we improve the quality of life for our patients.”

“We’re proud to achieve this distinction from The Joint Commission,” says Mary N. Mannix, FACHE, President and CEO of Augusta Health.  “We are pleased to have The Joint Commission recognize our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and our community.”

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care.  The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.  More information about The Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital with a mission to promote the health and well-being of our community through access to excellent care. In 2011, Augusta Health is the only hospital in Virginia to be recognized as a 100 Top Hospital by Thomson Reuters, receive both the Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety Awards from HealthGrades, and be named a finalist for the Foster G. McGaw Prize from the American Hospital Association for community service.  For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or its services, please contact Public Relations at 540.245.7329 or visit our website, www.augustahealth.com.