Saint Francis Hospital granted advanced certification as Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission

Wilmington, Del. — Saint Francis Hospital has received Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (The Joint Commission).

With Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center, patients who have suffered a stroke have access to the most advanced resources available for the treatment of stroke.

Saint Francis stroke physicians evaluate, diagnose and treat stroke and other diseases affecting the blood vessels in the brain.

A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of blood supply to the brain. Nerve cells in the affected area of the brain are deprived of oxygen and die rapidly. When nerve cells die, the areas of the body controlled by these cells are unable to function. A stroke is an emergency and receiving immediate care is critical to minimizing brain damage and preventing disability.

To receive Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, hospitals are required to:

• Be compliant with clinical practice guidelines and recommendations set forth by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
• Maintain and collect data for the eight Joint Commission stroke measures
• Demonstrate evidence of ongoing compliance through site visits with periodic updates of data and information to The Joint Commission

“At Saint Francis, it's important that we partner together with our patients and their caregivers,” said Mahnia McMullen RN, Stroke Coordinator at Saint Francis Hospital. “We pride ourselves on empowering them and actively involving them to ensure they receive the very best stroke care for their individual needs.”

The Joint Commission announced the distinction after conducting a one-day, onsite survey of multiple departments at Saint Francis.

“This certification acknowledges the clinical excellence of our entire stroke team,” said Daniel J. Sinnott, president and CEO of Saint Francis. “Our patients receive not just the medical expertise and technology we are able to offer via our Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center, but also the caring compassion we are known for. Our focus on the patient and their caregivers lets them know that they are more than just a number at Saint Francis.”