Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center Receives Recertification from The Joint Commission

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (February 9, 2016) – For the fourth consecutive time, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center earns The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.

“Meeting the rigorous standards established by The Joint Commission conveys our dedication to providing patients with high quality stroke services,” said Jeffrey M. Welch, hospital CEO. “This distinction lets our community know that during a stroke, when time is truly of the essence, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is where they can come to find exceptional care.”

The Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center has received recertification every two years since 2009, after being evaluated by Joint Commission experts for compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of stroke patients through its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers,” said Michele Sacco, M.S., interim executive director, Certification Programs. “We commend the hospital for becoming a leader in stroke care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for stroke patients in its community.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and dies of a stroke every four minutes. Nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.