The Joint Commission, using guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, recently recertified Munson Medical Center as a Primary Stroke Center.
The recertification gives the hospital The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for advanced certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.
“Munson Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of stroke patients through its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers,” said Patrick Phelan, The Joint Commission’s executive director for hospital development. “We commend the hospital for becoming a leader in stroke care.”
The recertification follows an on-site visit in February by a surveyor from The Joint Commission with expertise in stroke care. The designation demonstrates the hospital’s program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. It verifies that Munson Medical Center is providing evidence-based best care and best practices to stroke patients in Traverse City and the surrounding region.
The hospital was initially certified as a primary stroke center in 2012.
Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association, The Joint Commission’s 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.
“We appreciate that The Joint Commission again recognizes the quality of stroke care delivered at Munson Medical Center,” said Donald Caraccio, M.D., chief medical services officer for the hospital. “This is a direct result of ongoing concerted effort by an interdisciplinary group at the hospital that focuses on ensuring our care for stroke patients meets the highest standards.”
Neurologist and Stroke Unit Medical Director Kersti Bruining, M.D., said the recertification should assure area residents they are in good hands if a stroke occurs. “We have an amazing care team that offers the expertise, as well as the care and compassion to help ensure the best outcome possible,” she said. “We’re very thankful for The Joint Commission once again recognizing our standard of care.”
Learn more about Munson Medical Center’s stroke program.