Beaumont's stroke program recertified by Joint Commission

Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak has earned advanced recertification of its primary stroke center by The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. Beaumont earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in June.

"Beaumont Hospital has demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines 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.

Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

"We're proud to have achieved the Gold Seal of Approval^TM two years ago," says Susan Catto, M.D., administrative co-director of the Beaumont Stroke Center, Royal Oak.  "Recertification by the Joint Commission For Primary Stroke Centers recognizes Beaumont Hospital's ongoing commitment to provide outstanding care to our patients and the community. Our stroke care is truly a team effort among medical specialists. I'm grateful for the contributions and dedication of my colleagues in neurosurgery, neuroradiology, the emergency center and neurology."

The Joint Commission's certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association's statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program - the nation's first - in 2003. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at http://www.jointcommission.org/.

Beaumont offers comprehensive neuroscience services including stroke and stroke-related problems; minimally invasive endoscopic head and spine procedures; gamma radiosurgery for tumors and other brain conditions; minimally invasive surgery; head injuries; tumors; vascular diseases of the brain and spinal cord; pain management; degenerative spinal disorders; and pediatric neurosurgery. CT stereotactic brain biopsies for tissue diagnosis in brain tumors are also available. In addition, there is a Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Center; a Neurology Clinic; a Neuromuscular Clinic for children; neuroradiology; and clinical neurophysiology. Beaumont, Royal Oak is included on the U.S. News & World Report 2008 list of the "Top 50" hospitals in the country for neurology and neurosurgery ranking 36th.