Washington Regional Achieves Recertification as NWA’s Only Comprehensive Stroke Center
Washington Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for recertification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Washington Regional first achieved certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2019 and is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Northwest Arkansas. The prestigious designation means Washington Regional is prepared to treat even the most complex stroke cases with 24/7 in-person care from stroke experts.
“Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and in Arkansas. As a Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Washington Regional provides patients with advanced treatments so they can receive the care they need without having to leave Northwest Arkansas,” says Washington Regional President and CEO Larry Shackelford. “Every minute counts during a stroke, and getting to the right place quickly for care is critical. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Washington Regional offers the best chance of survival and recovery with minimally invasive stroke treatment options, advanced neurosurgical care, advanced imaging capabilities and the area’s only neurosurgical intensive care unit.”
“Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Washington Regional for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
“We congratulate Washington Regional for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
To achieve recertification, Washington Regional’s Stroke Program, part of the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute, underwent a rigorous onsite review in September. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with certification standards and conducted onsite observations and interviews. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.