Wise Regional Health System Awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Feb. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Decatur, TX – After undergoing an on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, Wise Regional Health System has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

“In stroke care time is brain,” says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “By achieving certification as a Primary Stroke Center, Wise Regional has proven that it has the ability to provide effective, timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.”

Each year about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

“We are pleased to have The Joint Commission recognize our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and our community with this distinction,” says Steve Summers, CEO, Wise Regional Health System.

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program—the nation’s first—in 2003. A list of programs certified by The Joint Commission is available at www.qualitycheck.org.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

About Wise Regional Health System
Wise Regional Health System located in Decatur, Texas provides inpatient and outpatient services to Wise, Jack and Montague counties. Wise Regional Health System, affiliated with Baylor Health Care System, operates 148 acute care beds in two facilities. For more information on the hospital, please visit: http://www.wiseregional.com.

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Wise Regional Health System located in Decatur, Texas provides inpatient and outpatient services to Wise, Jack and Montague counties. Wise Regional Health System, affiliated with Baylor Health Care System, operates 148 acute care beds in two facilities. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations has accredited our hospital since 1982. In retaining this status, the hospital is acknowledged by the premium hospital accreditation agency in the nation as meeting or exceeding established health care standards.

With more than 900 employees, and continuing to grow, Wise Regional Health System is the largest employer in Wise County. We are proud of our community-oriented approach to health care and we’re committed to bringing quality, specialized care to you and your family.