May 22, 2009

BroMenn Recertified as Primary Stroke Center

BroMenn Regional Medical Center was recently recertified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission is an independent organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations and programs throughout the U.S., setting the nation's standards in health care.  The Primary Stroke Center certification is part of The Joint Commission's "Disease-Specific Care Certification" program and recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care.  BroMenn received its initial certification in 2007.  According to the Joint Commission, the recertification signifies that BroMenn continues to have critical elements necessary to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

To earn this distinction, BroMenn's stroke care program undergoes an extensive, unannounced, on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff.   This latest evaluation occurred in March 2009.

BroMenn's stroke program provides a coordinated, comprehensive and patient-focused approach to care for adult victims of ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes and Transient Ischemic Strokes  (TIAs, or "mini-strokes").  Patients access the program by referral from a neurologist and are cared for in the Intensive Care Unit or the Neuro Specialty Care Unit.

To earn Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center certification, a hospital must demonstrate compliance with recommendations and guidelines created by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association.