Hunterdon Medical Center Awarded Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission

Hunterdon Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification.

Hunterdon Medical Center underwent a rigorous, one-day review of its stroke program in December. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, quality and safety standards, delivering and facilitating clinical care, and meeting national benchmarks. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewer also conducted observations and clinical staff interviews.

“Hunterdon Medical Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Hunterdon Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“We congratulate Hunterdon Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

Hunterdon Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® because the hospital meets and exceeds better outcomes for patients who come in experiencing a stroke. Achievement of this certification signifies that Hunterdon Medical Center provides the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

“Hunterdon Medical Center is proud to have achieved this certification for the third time as Advanced Primary Stroke Center and proves our commitment to the stroke community we serve,” said Brittany Trstensky, MSN, RN, CCRN, Stroke Program Coordinator at Hunterdon Medical Center.

Measures that were evaluated included the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also receive education on individualized risk factors as well as other transition-of-care interventions.