Hunterdon Medical Center Awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Hunterdon Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. 

Hunterdon Medical Center underwent a rigorous, one day review of their stroke program in November. 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 bench marks.  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‘s Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “We commend Hunterdon Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”

“We congratulate Hunterdon Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, 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 second time as Primary Stroke Center and proves our commitment to the stroke community we serve.  Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we remained vigilant and dedicated to achieving this next level of care for our patients,” said Toni Ann Beyer, BSN, RN, CNRN, 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.