Onslow Memo­r­i­al Hos­pi­tal Award­ed Stroke Cer­ti­fi­ca­tion from The Joint Commission

Onslow Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Gold Seal of Approval Certification.

Onslow Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evidenced based protocols, leading practices that support clinical practice guidelines for ensuring top quality and safety efforts for stroke care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Goal Seal of Approval 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, The Joint Commission. “We commend Onslow Memorial Hospital 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.”

“We congratulate Onslow Memorial Hospital 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.”

“Delivering high-quality stroke care requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach,” said Josephine Malfitano, Associate Vice President, Patient Safety Officer. “Through ongoing process reviews, we ensure that our practices not only meet but sustain the evolving standards of care. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team committed to advancing these critical initiatives.”

To be eligible for stroke certification, hospitals must meet strict requirements and demonstrate a high standard of stroke care. In preparation for this process, OMH has focused on establishing a multidisciplinary stroke team, developing stroke protocols and pathways, ensuring 24/7 availability of key services, providing staff education and training, and engaging with the community.

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.