Sacred Heart Hospital has received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association-American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers.

With the certification, Sacred Heart Hospital joins an elite group of health care organizations focused on highly-specialized stroke care. To be eligible, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center and meet additional requirements, including those related to advanced imaging capabilities, 24-7 availability of specialized treatments, and providing staff with the education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.

Sacred Heart Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site review in August 2016 when Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements.

“By achieving this advanced certification, Sacred Heart Hospital has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of its patients with a complex stroke condition,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and CEO, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Sacred Heart Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate the standard of its care for the community it serves,” Chassin said.

“Sacred Heart Hospital is pleased to receive advanced certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association-American Stroke Association,” said Valerie Donahue, Stroke Coordinator, Sacred Heart Hospital, adding, “The certification provides us with the framework to create a culture of excellence.”

Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.