Scripps Mercy's Stroke Program Earns Primary Stroke Center Distinction
San Diego – Scripps Mercy Hospital’s San Diego campus has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. Scripps Mercy earned this distinction after The Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in February.
The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Attaining this certification signifies that the services that Scripps Mercy Hospital’s San Diego campus offers the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving patient outcomes and that patient care is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla have previously been designated as Primary Stroke Centers, and plans are underway to earn this distinction for Scripps Mercy Hospital’s Chula Vista campus.
The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program in 2003.
“We’re proud of the tireless work that has gone into earning this prestigious designation,” said Tom Gammiere, FACHE, chief executive of Scripps Mercy Hospital. “A Primary Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission recognizes Scripps Mercy’s commitment to providing outstanding care to our stroke patients and our community.”
Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third-leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.
“Our commitment to exemplary patient care played a vital role in helping us earn Primary Stroke Center certification,” said Jonathan Licht, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Stroke Program at Scripps Mercy Hospital’s San Diego campus. “We are proud to have a program that follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.”
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more then 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations. In addition, the Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
About Scripps Mercy Hospital
Established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital serves the San Diego and Chula Vista communities. With 700 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees and 1,300 physicians, Scripps Mercy Hospital is San Diego’s longest established and only Catholic hospital. With two campuses, Scripps Mercy Hospital is the largest hospital in San Diego County and one of the 10 largest in California.
Contact: Kristin Reinhardt
Phone: 619-686-3787