Memorial Hospital awarded Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Recertification from The Joint Commission

Memorial Hospital of South Bend has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Certification. Memorial Hospital first earned the certification in July 2019.

Endovascular thrombectomy, or EVT, is a minimally invasive treatment that improves functional status in patients who have had an acute ischemic stroke. EVT removes blood clots and helps restore blood flow to the brain and limit irreversible injury. During this treatment, the surgeon feeds a flexible tube catheter to the blockage to open up the large blood vessel or artery. Then, a wire-cage device called a stent retriever is used to capture and remove the clot.

Dr. Jose Luis Lopez, Medical Director of the Beacon Stroke Program, explained that EVT has been shown to be most effective when performed within 6 hours from the onset of stroke, and in those patients who first receive a clot-busting medicine through a vein. In some cases, EVT can be performed up to 24 hours after the onset of stroke.

“A significant reason that patients do not receive EVT is their delay in getting to the hospital,” says Dr. Lopez. “We need to continue to educate our communities in recognizing stroke symptoms because ‘time is brain.’”

“BE FAST” helps identify someone who might be having a stroke: B-alance difficulty, E-yesight changes, F-acial drooping, A-rm weakness, S-peech difficulty, T-ime to call 911.

The path to the Gold Seal of Approval®

Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in early October. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Certification recognizes healthcare 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 Memorial Hospital of South Bend 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.”

Learn more about the stroke care available at Beacon Health System.

“We congratulate Memorial Hospital 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.”