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Mercy San Juan Medical Center Named First Comprehensive Stroke Center in Sacramento

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Dignity Health's Mercy San Juan Medical Center has been recognized by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as meeting The Joint Commission's standards for Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification, which means it is part of an elite group of providers focused on complex stroke care.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center is the only California facility north of the Bay Area with this designation. 

“Mercy San Juan Medical Center is proud to be the first health care provider in the Sacramento area to make the highest level of stroke care available to the patients who need it,” said Mercy San Juan Medical Center’s president, Brian K. Ivie. “Patients now have access to advanced stroke care without having to travel out of the area. I am exceptionally proud to present this much-needed resource to the many communities Dignity Health serves.” 

The certification reflects Mercy San Juan’s investments in the latest diagnostic technologies and imaging equipment and recognizes the hospital’s ability to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. Mercy San Juan treated nearly 750 stroke patients in the 12 months ending in March 2014. 

As a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Mercy San Juan Medical Center is recognized for providing the highest level of stroke care and stroke treatment available, including participation in clinical research trials, vascular neurosurgery services, the use of neuro-interventional radiology and the existence of a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit. Mercy San Juan's new Comprehensive Stroke Center is part of the Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California, which is comprised of five Primary Stroke Centers in the Greater Sacramento Service Area and more than 26 telestroke sites across California. Dignity Health Neurological Institute is the regional leader in comprehensive stroke care, treating the highest volume of neurovascular patients in the greater Sacramento region. The Institute’s comprehensive stroke program is led by a coordinated stroke intervention team that includes specialist physicians and nurses, neuropyschologists and therapists, who are available 24/7, to treat the most complex of stroke cases. 

"By achieving this advanced certification, Mercy San Juan Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of its patients with a complex stroke condition,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Mercy San Juan Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate the standard of its care for the community it serves.” 

“Mercy San Juan Medical Center is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality stroke care based on current scientific research to ensure continuous improvement in care,” said Ivie. “Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification has given us the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients, and improved care overall for the benefit of our community.” 

Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification was developed in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and derived from the Brain Attack Coalition’s “Recommendations for Comprehensive Stroke Centers,” (Stroke, 2005), and “Metrics for Measuring Quality of Care in Comprehensive Stroke Centers,” (Stroke, 2011), and on recommendations from a multidisciplinary advisory panel of experts in complex stroke care. 

“The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association congratulates Mercy San Juan Medical Center on its Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification,” commented Mark J. Alberts, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association spokesperson and incoming Vice-Chair of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Comprehensive Stroke Centers offer a high level of care for patients with the most severe and challenging types of strokes and cerebrovascular disease.” 

Read more about the Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Center

Publish date: 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

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Lindsay Leszczynski 
External Communications Manager
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