Crestwood earns Joint Commission seal, cert for Primary Stroke Center

HUNTSVILLE – Crestwood Medical Center recently has earned two significant endorsements from The Joint Commission and national heart associations.

The Joint Commission awarded its Gold Seal of Approval to Crestwood. The commission is the nation’s oldest and largest group to set standards and accredit healthcare institutions.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that inspires healthcare professionals to excel in providing safe, effective care of the highest quality. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

In addition, Crestwood received the Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association presented the honor.

“Crestwood is pleased to receive advanced certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association,” Crestwood CEO Pam Hudson said. “The certification provides us with the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide, as well as to continually strive to advance our care even further.”

Crestwood underwent a rigorous onsite review on Jan. 30. Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“Crestwood Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of stroke patients through its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers,” Patrick Phelan said. Phelan is Executive Director of Hospital Business Development with The Joint Commission.

Nancy Brown, CEO with American Heart and Stroke associations, congratulated Crestwood. “By adhering to this very specific set of treatment guidelines, Crestwood has clearly made it a priority to deliver high quality care to all patients affected by stroke,” Brown said.

Acute care hospitals that are accredited by The Joint Commission can earn Advanced Certification for a two-year period.

Stroke is the no. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American heart and stroke associations. On average, an individual suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For more information, visit jointcommission.org, heart.org or visit crestwoodmedcenter.com.