COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for re-certification as a Primary Stroke Center.
“The team of physicians and staff at Maury Regional Medical Center is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for patients experiencing a stroke,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson. “Fast action matters when a stroke occurs. Our community members dealing with a stroke are in expert hands at Maury Regional Medical Center as evidenced by this recognition from The Joint Commission and American Stroke Association.”
To earn re-certification from The Joint Commission, MRMC recently underwent a rigorous and thorough review to evaluate the organization’s compliance with related certification standards, which were developed by The Joint Commission in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. Recertification as a Primary Stroke Center takes place approximately every two years.
“Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing executive with The Joint Commission. “We commend Maury Regional 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 Maury Regional for this outstanding achievement,” added 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.”
At Maury Regional Medical Center, board-certified neurologists, neurohospitalists and nursing staff in the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit are specially trained in stroke patient care and utilize advanced technology to provide treatment.
In addition to stroke services provided at Maury Regional Medical Center, the health system’s affiliate hospitals Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg and Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro are equipped to stabilize and provide timely medications to those experiencing a stroke by utilizing telehealth access for immediate consults with a neurologist in an emergency room. Maury Regional Physical Therapy centers throughout the region also offer stroke rehabilitation — including physical, occupational and speech therapy — for patients who have experienced a stroke.
Stroke is the number five cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of adult disability. A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot or ruptures. Stroke is a serious medical emergency and quick response can make all the difference. The American Stroke Association encourages “BE FAST” as an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke and when to call 911:
- Balance – Sudden loss of balance or dizziness
- Eyes – Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Face – One side of the face is drooping
- Arms – One arm is weak or numb
- Speech – Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding / slurred speech
- Time – Call 911 immediately
According to the American Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and the most significant controllable risk factor. Speak to your doctor about your stroke risk and learn more about stroke symptoms and treatment at Stroke.MauryRegional.com.