Mission Hospitals receives advanced certification for primary stroke center

From Mission Hospitals:

Asheville, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2013) ˆ Mission Hospital has been recognized by The Joint Commission for meeting the national organization’s standards for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification. The advanced certification, awarded in conjunction with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, signifies that Mission Hospital’s stroke program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

“In achieving The Joint Commission‚s qualifications for advanced certification, Mission Hospital has thoroughly demonstrated its commitment to the greatest level of care for its stroke patients” said Jonathan Bailey, MHA, Vice President of Operations at Mission Hospital. “The certification process solidifies our collaborative approach to care and demonstrates our BIG(GER) Aim: to get each patient to the desired outcome, first without harm, also without waste and with an exceptional experience for the patient and family.”

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification program was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003. It is only available to stroke programs in acute care hospitals that are accredited by the commission. Mission Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site review of compliance with The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program and primary stroke center requirements.

“Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Mission Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves,” said Jean Range, MS, RN, CPHQ, Executive Director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. On average, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes.

“Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the nation‚s fourth leading cause of death,” said Alex Schneider, MD, Medical Director for Mission Hospital Neuroscience and Stroke Programs. “It is particularly prevalent in the western North Carolina region. Our aging population is particularly susceptible to stroke, and this award represents our focus on advanced procedures and state-of-the-art technology to improve outcomes.”

Through September 2015, Mission Hospital will display The Joint Commission‚s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark for the Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers, illustrating the hospital‚s commitment to providing the next generation of stroke or heart failure care.