(Press Release) — Guam Regional Medical City has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for “Advanced Primary Stroke Center” Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. GRMC received written notification from TJC on July 19, 2022, stating that the certification cycle is effective May 18, 2022, and is customarily valid for up to 24 months.
This prestigious certification recognizes healthcare organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care and signifies to their respective communities that the quality of care provided meets the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge from the hospital.
GRMC underwent a rigorous Joint Commission review in May 2022. During the inspection, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The review also included hospital observations and interviews.
“Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare 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 at The Joint Commission. “We commend GRMC for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients,” Pelletier added.
“Congratulations to everyone at GRMC! Stroke care is truly multidisciplinary and it takes an entire team to provide high quality care for our stroke patients,” said Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard, GRMC chief medical officer. “I am extremely proud of our GRMC team and congratulate everyone who participated in the survey process. I also give special recognition to Elisabeth Collins, DNA, who serves as GRMC’s stroke program coordinator and our neurologist, Dr. Justin Hale, as they both led the Advanced Primary Stoke Center Certification effort,” said Alan Funtanilla, GRMC president & CEO.
For more information about the Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification, visit The Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org
