CASPER, Wyo. (May 31, 2022) – Banner Wyoming Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart/Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification. Wyoming Medical Center has recertified its Primary Stroke Center status since first receiving it in 2015.
Wyoming Medical Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced virtual review March 10-11, 2022. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care.
“I’m so proud to lead the amazing team that has built our Primary Stroke Center from the ground up and continues to prioritize the highest quality stroke care in the region,” said Dr. David Wheeler, neurologist and medical director of our Primary Stroke Center. “This is only possible in our small town because of the passion for quality and excellence exhibited by team members from every part of Wyoming Medical Center.”
Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted on-site observations and interviews.
“Advance Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care 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, The Joint Commission. “We commend Wyoming Medical Center for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”
Wyoming Medical Center's stroke team is made up of members from nearly every department in the hospital including EMS, ER nurses and physicians, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, ICU, neurology, therapies, case managers and more. The team meets monthly to analyze the latest data, collaborate on best care practices and troubleshoot areas that need improvement.
“It’s really a privilege to ensure our community gets access to the best and fastest stroke treatment,” said Sara Kemper, clinical stroke program manager at (Banner) Wyoming Medical Center. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States.
“We congratulate Wyoming Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart/Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 30 acute-care hospitals, Banner also has an academic division, Banner – University Medicine, and a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health-insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and Banner operates a free 24/7 nurse line for health questions or concerns. Patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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