Santa Rosa Medical Center awarded Primary Stroke Center Accreditation from The Joint Commission
9/12/2023
Santa Rosa Medical Center (SRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
Strokes, or “brain attacks,” claim the lives of nearly 160,000 Americans each year. As the fifth leading killer and the most common cause of disability, strokes devastate individuals and families every day.
"This certification lets our community know that we have the resources and expertise available to provide stroke care that meets national standards," said Justin Serrano, chief executive officer at Santa Rosa Medical Center. "We are extremely proud of our teams and their commitment to providing high-quality care for patients who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies."
SRMC underwent a rigorous, onsite review in August 2023. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with primary stroke center standards spanning several areas including emergency medicine, the environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Santa Rosa Medical Center for its commitment to advance safety and quality for all patients.”
According to the National Stroke Association, two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial for increasing the chance of survival and decreasing the chances of permanent disabilities. Signs of a stroke can come suddenly and include severe headache, dizziness, impaired movement, sight, speech and confusion.
“If a stroke does occur, catching it early and getting help immediately is essential for improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times,” shares Dr. Melissa Mekesa, medical director of Santa Rosa Medical Center’s Emergency Departments.
To remember signs of a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T. which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time. If one side of a person’s Face droops, they have difficulty raising one or both Arms or their Speech is slurred, it’s Time to call 911.
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