PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
15-Sep-2014
Contact: Elena Falcone-Relvas efalconerelvas@lifespan.org 401-793-7484 Lifespan
PROVIDENCE, R.I. The Miriam Hospital has for the fifth time been designated by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. The advanced certification recognizes The Miriam Hospital Stroke Center, which cares for over 650 patients a year, as providing the highest quality stroke care.
"Meeting the rigorous standards established by the Joint Commission demonstrates The Miriam Hospital's commitment to providing our patients with outstanding stroke care," said Arthur J. Sampson, president of The Miriam Hospital. "Our Stroke Center team continually looks for ways to improve the care we provide and this recognition underscores our ability to outperform national standards in optimizing patient experience and satisfaction."
The Miriam Hospital's Stroke Center team provides around-the-clock coverage for stroke emergencies for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. This includes highly trained and competent physicians and nurses, the latest diagnostic equipment to accurately detect stroke and complications, comprehensive neurologic assessment by a specialist in neurology, and minimally invasive care using the newest therapies, such as clot-dissolving medications, and the Penumbra device which removes blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain. Onsite rehabilitative services assist patients in regaining body function and coping with disabilities and with case management to ensure a smooth discharge transition.
The Miriam's recertification follows an onsite review that took place earlier this summer measuring the hospital's compliance with national standards, clinical guidelines and outcomes of care. Joint Commission experts also assessed The Miriam's performance in achieving its 2014 quality priorities: clinical quality and patient safety, patient experience, capacity management, workforce engagement and operational excellence.
"We are committed to providing our stroke patients with the highest level of care," said Thomas F. Tracy, Jr., M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at The Miriam Hospital. "We requested this independent evaluation to show our continued commitment to delivering health with care and our support for the hospital's expert stroke team who works tirelessly to deliver patients around-the-clock stroke care."
The Miriam was the first hospital in Rhode Island to be designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Miriam's Stroke Center draws on strong physician and nurse communication and multidisciplinary response times with a team that is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. The Miriam's Stroke Center has also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award.
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The Miriam Hospital again earns the Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification