Joint Commission Awards Mercy Medical Center Primary Stroke Center Certification

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Assoc. Heart-Check mark for primary stroke center certification.

Mercy recently underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Primary stroke center certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief Nursing officer for the Joint Commission. “We commend Mercy Medical Center 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.”

In congratulating Mercy, Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Stroke Assoc., noted that “this certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

Dr. Robert Roose, president of Community Hospitals for Trinity Health Of New England, added that “Mercy Medical Center is dedicated to ensuring that our physicians, nurses, and staff are committed to providing stroke patients with the right care at the right time, in every encounter. This certification validates their consistent efforts to deliver high-quality care, and we are proud of them.”