Memorial is first and only Indiana hospital to earn prestigious stroke center certification

Memorial Hospital of South Bend has earned Advanced Certification as a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center from The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Thrombectomy, the removal of a blood clot from an artery, can be used to treat strokes.

Memorial Hospital is the first and only hospital in the state of Indiana to earn this certification, and the Memorial stroke center is among only 37 in the country to be recognized as thrombectomy capable by The Joint Commission.

“Our sole focus is providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care to our patients,” says Nicole Stevens, RN, Memorial Stroke Program Coordinator. “We are grateful for the support and recognition of The Joint Commission and look forward to continuing our work in support of the health of our community.”

Memorial underwent a rigorous review, where a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Thrombectomy certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Memorial Hospital for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”