April 08, 2014

Good Samaritan has been formally certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

Achievement of Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies an organization's dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients. Good Samaritan's Primary Stroke Center Certification has demonstrated our program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

Good Samaritan underwent an on-site review in early March. At that time, a Joint Commission expert reviewed Good Samaritan's compliance with the requirements for 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.

"Good Samaritan Hospital is thoroughly committed to providing our patients the highest quality stroke care centered on current scientific research to ensure continued improvement in treatment," said Bonita M. Gordon, TriHealth Stroke Program Administrator. "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."

In April 2013, Bethesda North was designated by the Joint Commission as a primary stroke center.

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.