(VIDEO: Sergio M. Gonzalez-Arias, M.D [1]., medical director of the Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, discusses the significance of the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification)
Baptist Hospital joins an elite group of facilities in the United States to receive certification from The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, indicating the hospital has the resources, staff and training necessary for the treatment of the most complex stroke cases. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is widely recognized as a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to meeting rigorous performance standards.
Baptist Hospital, in partnership with the Baptist Health Neuroscience Center [2], is the first hospital in South Florida and the second in the state to receive this distinction.
Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers are required to have:
• Dedicated neuro-intensive care unit beds for complex stroke patients that provide neuro-critical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Use advanced imaging capabilities.
• Meet minimum requirements for providing care to patients with a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage; performing endovascular coiling or surgical clipping procedures for aneurysm; and administering IV tPA(tissue plasminogen activator).
• Coordinate post-hospital care for patients.
• Use a peer review process to evaluate and monitor the care provided to patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Participate in stroke research.