HAMPTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AWARDED THE JOINT COMMISSION'S GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL® FOR ACUTE STROKE READY HOSPITAL

March 16, 2021

VARNVILLE, S.C. (March 16. 2021) - Hampton Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification.

Hampton Regional underwent a rigorous onsite review when the Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards, clinical practice guidelines, and

performance measures. HRMC had to meet criteria that included a fully operational, stroke-focused program with telemedicine technology. It had to be staffed by qualified medical professionals trained in stroke care, in collaboration with local emergency management agencies. It required the capability to perform rapid diagnostic and laboratory testing and the ability to administer intravenous clot-busting medications to eligible patients.

Acute Stroke Ready Hospital 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 Hampton Regional Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients."

"We congratulate Hampton Regional Medical Center 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."

"I am very proud of the Hampton Regional Medical Center staff for achieving Joint Commission Certification! HRMC works closely with The Medical University of South Carolina and their TeleHealth services to ensure patients receive the fastest most reliable care. Many hands have played a role in developing our stroke program and with their dedication and hard work, Hampton Regional has been able to make a positive impact on many lives throughout Hampton and surrounding counties. It has been exciting to watch HRMC's stroke program grow and I'm very proud to be a part of it" says Caroline Dittman, BSN, RN, Stroke Coordinator at Hampton Regional.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.