Altru Awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Grand Forks, N.D. - Altru has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.  

“It is with great pride and excitement to learn of our recertification by the joint commission for our primary stroke center,” said Dr. Cory Edwards, a neurologist at Altru. “We have a large amount of people who put in countless hours to ensure this program is successful.”

The certification recognizes healthcare organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for strokes. 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.

Altru underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on 04.19.2024. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including quality metric data, patients' understanding of the stroke care being provided, community outreach, employee education requirements and supportive services for those who have experienced a stroke. 

“This certification recognizes the hard work of our staff and team,” said Dr. Edwards. “We are very proud of the care we provide our stroke patients and take great pride in providing a high level of care. Recertification from the joint commission recognizes those efforts and ensures we continue to go above and beyond. We look forward to continuing to advance our program.”

Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

“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, The Joint Commission. “We commend Altru 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.” 

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.