BRIDGEPORT – St. Vincent’s Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Comprehensive Stroke Center certification.
St. Vincent’s, which underwent a rigorous, onsite review, was evaluated by a team of Joint Commission reviewers who checked on compliance with program standards. The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance.
“We are proud to achieve this designation, which reflects the dedication of our multidisciplinary stroke team and our commitment to providing the highest level of care for our community,” said Stroke Director Jeremy Wells, MD, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. “This certification affirms our ability to deliver world-class, rapid, evidence-based treatment for the most complex stroke patients.”
To prepare for the certification, St. Vincent’s Medical Center strengthened its stroke program by enhancing standardized protocols, expanding advanced neuroimaging, and improving coordination across care teams. The hospital also enhanced staff training to support rapid stroke recognition and treatment, while ensuring 24/7 access to specialized services, including neurosurgery and interventional care — delivering timely, comprehensive treatment when every second counts.
“Comprehensive Stroke Center 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 for The Joint Commission. “We commend St. Vincent’s Medical Center 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.”
Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is the highest level of certification awarded by The Joint Commission and recognizes organizations with the infrastructure, staff, and training to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. This designation positions St. Vincent’s Medical Center as a regional leader in stroke care, improving access to life-saving treatment for patients across the community and statewide.
The certification follows the acquisition of St. Vincent’s by Hartford HealthCare.
