Chattanooga, Tenn. – Erlanger’s Southeast Regional Stroke Center has been awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. This certification recognizes hospitals offering the highest level of care for those with the most severe and challenging types of strokes and cerebrovascular disease.
“I am extremely proud that Erlanger’s stroke team has been recognized as part of an elite group of providers focusing on complex stroke care,” said Erlanger President and CEO Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE. “We are now one of only 68 hospitals in the nation with this distinction, and the only one in this region,” he noted.
“Not only was Erlanger awarded the region’s only complex stroke care certification, but our cardiovascular center team just earned Joint Commission’s Certification for Acute Myocardial Infarction – making Erlanger the second hospital in Tennessee to earn this prestigious accreditation.” Spiegel said. “Both these advanced certifications set Erlanger apart as an industry leader in the treatment of strokes and heart attacks.”
Health care systems awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification are recognized for having state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients with acute to the most complex stroke cases.
To achieve this certification, Erlanger’s stroke center team underwent a rigorous onsite review. The Joint Commission surveyors reviewed Erlanger’s compliance with the Comprehensive Stroke Center standards and requirements, including advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments and staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
“By achieving this advanced certification, Erlanger has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of its patients with a complex stroke condition,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., President of The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process, and The Joint Commission commends Erlanger for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate the standard of its care for the community it serves.”
For more information on The Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Advance Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Center visit http://www.jointcommission.org/ or www.heart.org/myhospital.
