June 1, 2007 -
Norfolk, VA- Three (3) Sentara Stroke Centers receive recognition by the Virginia General Assembly for achieving Primary Stroke Center certification from the Joint Commission for quality and excellence. The General Assembly expresses gratitude for the dedication of these centers for improving treatment of stroke patients in the Commonwealth.
Sentara Norfolk General,
Sentara Leigh, and
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospitals are among only 6 others in the state cited for excellence in stroke care, having earned a Gold Seal of Approval ™ and Disease Specific Care (DSC) Certification from the Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission designation recognizes primary stroke centers that have made exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Specific criteria were developed in conjunction with the American Stroke Association.
“Sentara demonstrates stroke care following national standards that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission. Certification signifies that the services provided by the Primary Stroke Center have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes and serves as a signal to the community that the quality care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and Virginia. Every 45 seconds someone in America has a stroke. About 700,000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year and nearly 150,000 of them will die.
Sentara is the area’s leading not-for-profit health care provider. To learn more about Sentara’s neurological services and Certified Stroke Centers, visit the
Sentara Neuroscience Network.
30/2007