SMITHFIELD – Johnston Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Certification.
Johnston Health underwent a rigorous onsite review on Aug. 6. During the visit, a pair of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Primary Stroke Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, chief operating officer for The Joint Commission. “We commend Johnston Health for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”
“We congratulate Johnston Health for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
Tom Williams, CEO and president of Johnston Health, says several teams within the hospital worked together for more than five years to put into place the many processes needed to treat stroke. Highlights along the way included implementing tele-stroke, administering the “clot-busting” medicine tPA at the bedside, and fine-tuning the Code Stroke process.
“Years ago our organization recognized the need for quality stroke care, and I’m so proud that we’re offering this vital timely treatment close to home,” he says. “Being certified as a Primary Stroke Center means that our community and EMS partners can have full confidence that patients are receiving a high standard of care.”
In addition to treating stroke, Johnston Health also provides education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.
