Stroke Care Program Awarded Certification from The Joint Commission

“Osceola Regional Medical Center demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke ever 45 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’re proud to achieve this distinction,” says Timothy Cook, Osceola Regional Medical Center’s CEO.  “Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes Osceola Regional Medical Center’s commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community.”

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/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 http://www.jointcommission.org/.

About Osceola Regional Medical Center
Osceola Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art hospital offering the best in advanced medical care through highly trained professionals utilizing the latest in medical technology and equipment and a medical staff of board certified physicians representing all medical specialties.  Services include a 24-hour Emergency Department; 33-bed Baby Suites Maternity Unit; Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; complete diagnostic, imaging and testing services; and specialized facilities for community education.  The hospital recently completed its new multi-million dollar, 4-story cardiac care tower housing the Heart Institute of Osceola Regional Medical Center, which offers the full range of cardiac care from diagnostics and cardiac treatment including open-heat surgery to cardiac rehabilitation.  For more information visit www.osceolaregional.com.