Gundersen Lutheran's Stroke Care Program awarded recertification from the Joint Commission
The Stroke Center at Gundersen Lutheran has again earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. First certified in September 2006, Gundersen Lutheran must meet the necessary requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process every two years to demonstrate ongoing quality and adherence standards.
“Gundersen Lutheran demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” says Jean E. Range, MS, RN, CPHQ, executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.
“We’re proud to achieve the distinction,” says Mary Cummins Collins, stroke center coordinator. “Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes Gundersen Lutheran’s commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community.” Departments recognized for their contributions include the Neuroscience Center (Neurology, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Speech), Trauma & Emergency Center, Intensive Care Unit, Imaging, Laboratory, General and Vascular Surgery, Vascular Institute, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, 3 Center (the hospital’s designated stroke unit) and Quality and Performance Improvement.
The Joint Commission survey affirms the benefits of our comprehensive stroke care that crosses department lines,” said Gregory Fischer, MD, certified stroke neurologist and medical director of the stroke core team that led the preparation for the Joint Commission certification. “Whether you come to us with the first sign of a stroke or you need rehab to recover as much independence as you can, you’ve come to the right place.”
“Coordination of the multifaceted care stroke patients need improves the quality of care we deliver, service to patients and efficiency of those providing care. Our designation as a Primary Stroke Center confirms our approach is the right one,” adds Jonathan Zlabek, MD, FACP, director of and board certified in Vascular Medicine.
“In addition to consistently following clinical practice guidelines and protocols, our staff is committed to continuing education for further improvements in stroke care,” Fischer says. “More than 300 Gundersen Lutheran staff physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals are individually certified in the use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale.” This evaluation method is used when stroke symptoms are first detected - a critical period when brain-saving treatment or surgery could minimize disability or prevent death.
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/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program—the nation’s first—in 2003.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of healthcare accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more then 15,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other healthcare organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral healthcare, laboratory and ambulatory care services.