Samaritan Medical Center Recertified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center
Published on: May 24, 2022
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has recertified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, which we are proud to announce during National Stroke Awareness Month. The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of stroke care. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care and educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.
Samaritan’s Stroke and Trauma Program Coordinator Michelle R. Mann stated the medical center is surveyed every two years and must continue to uphold standards set forth by The Joint Commission and New York State Department of Health. She added, “We have the resources to respond quickly to all patients presenting to the Emergency Department or experiencing a stroke while they are in our care as an inpatient, as well.”
Samaritan obtained its initial certification in 2020 after a rigorous onsite review in November 2019. Preparation for the initial survey included:
- Demonstrating compliance with the set of clinical practice guidelines required. The guidelines are specific to the care and outcomes of patients that may experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or a hemorrhagic stroke. This assists organizations in establishing a consistent approach to care, reducing variation and the risk of error, along with improving patient outcomes.
- Educating staff in the care of the stroke patient with evidence-based guidelines.
- Implementing a performance improvement committee for ongoing process improvement.
- Providing 24/7 acute stroke team with ability to provide IV clot buster medication with close monitoring from highly qualified staff.
- Establishing collaboration with Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
- Establishing collaboration with the State and Regional Stroke Centers.
- Committing to providing high-quality patient care from the onset of symptoms to rehabilitation.
To maintain the certification, Samaritan plans to maintain and exceed standards to recertify in 2024 by The Joint Commission.