05/10/2021
Sharon Hospital has earned its initial Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The Gold Seal of Approval® demonstrates Sharon Hospital’s commitment to meeting rigorous standards of care for stroke patients.
During a thorough, virtual review, a Joint Commission certification
team evaluated Sharon Hospital’s stroke program including diagnosis and
treatment protocols, support services for patients and caregivers, and
continuous clinical performance improvement measures. The independent reviewers
determined that Sharon Hospital consistently achieves standards of care — such as safety, time to treat and patient
education upon discharge from hospital — resulting in improved
outcomes for stroke patients.
“As a designated Primary Stroke Center, our community
can rest-assured knowing Sharon Hospital is at the forefront of rapid and
effective stroke care,” said Dr. Mark Hirko, president, Putnam Hospital and
Sharon Hospital, part of Nuvance Health. “Our dedicated doctors, nurses,
therapists and many more specialists and staff continually incorporate the
latest treatments and care guidelines into our stroke program to optimize
outcomes for patients.”
“Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United
States and a major cause of serious disability for adults. Effectively and
quickly treating stroke lowers the risk of someone experiencing long-term
disability or death,” said Dr. Paul Wright, senior vice president and
system chair of the Neurosciences Institute at Nuvance Health. “Primary Stroke
Certification from The Joint Commission demonstrates how Sharon Hospital is
well-equipped to provide specialized stroke care when time to treat is
critical.”
B.E.F.A.S.T
when it comes to stroke
The risk of brain damage or death increases the longer
a stroke goes untreated. Stroke is more common in individuals age 65 and older,
although anyone at any age can have a stroke. Sudden onset of any of these
symptoms could mean stroke, so B.E.F.A.S.T and call 9-1-1 for help:
- Balance: Loss of balance or coordination, dizziness
- Eyes: Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Face: Facial weakness, uneven smile
- Arm: Unable to lift both arms evenly, numbness, weakness
- Speech: Difficulty speaking, slurred speech
- Time: Call 9-1-1
Nuvance Health’s Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital
in Connecticut and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York have all earned
Primary Stroke Center Certification from the Joint Commission. Learn more about stroke services
at Nuvance Health.
The Joint
Commission aims to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in
collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations
and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest
quality and value.