Naples, FL., November 15, 2023 – The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Comprehensive Stroke Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. There are only 4 designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida accredited by The Joint Commission and NCH Wingard Stroke Center will become the 5th and only center on the West coast of Florida to achieve this designation.
For more than 70 years, The Joint Commission has been a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety in health care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s highest commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
Proper accreditation is now more important than ever for a hospital to display its commitment to high-quality, comprehensive patient care. That’s why The Joint Commission focuses on quality care with the goal of helping hospitals become “high reliability” organizations for delivering safe, effective care. Achieving Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Certification is the benchmark for delivering the highest level of care in the healthcare industry. No other certifications are as comprehensive, respected, and as widely recognized as the Joint Commission.
“We could not be more proud of this amazing accreditation we receive today,” said Mazen AbuAwad, MD, Medical Director for the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. “This accomplishment as the only Joint Commission designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in SW Florida is the culmination of years of teamwork. It represents a commitment to quality process improvements that are ultimately reflected in the higher-than-average outcomes and care we provide to stroke patients who come to NCH as opposed to going to a non-accredited hospital.”
NCH had already received certification as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center from The Joint Commission in coordination with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. This designation makes NCH the one and only certified Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida.
“Today’s designation from The Joint Commission further confirms that NCH is the best place to go in a stroke event,” said NCH President and CEO, Paul Hiltz. “Our community should feel confident in choosing the best quality in SWFL, right here at NCH. We are always doing more to strive for excellence for our patients.”
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire a safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend NCH for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity, and compassion for all patients.”
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