MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recently awarded WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center with advanced certification for Primary Stroke Centers.
Berkeley Medical Center was first awarded this certification in 2014.
The certification is proof of the organization’s dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients.
Berkeley Medical Center underwent an on-site review in September. A Joint Commission expert reviewed the medical center’s compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements, such as collecting Joint Commission core measure data and using it for performance improvement activities.
"In receiving this advanced certification, Berkeley Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for stroke patients,” Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission, said. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Berkeley Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003, The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification 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.
“Berkeley Medical Center is committed to providing our patients the highest quality stroke care centered on current scientific research to ensure continued improvement in treatment,” Anthony P. Zelenka, Berkeley Medical Center president and CEO, said. “In addition to our Joint Commission accreditation, the Primary Stroke Center Certification has given us the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients, and help us improve care overall for our community.”
For more information on The Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Certification for Primary Stroke Center visit http://www.jointcommission.org/.