News

August 5, 2021

Sebastian River Medical Center Awarded Primary Stroke Center Accreditation from The Joint Commission

[August 5, 2021, Sebastian, FL] – Sebastian River Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“When someone is having a stroke, time is brain,” explained Ron Bierman, Chief Administrative Officer, Sebastian River Medical Center. “In the event of a stroke, timely, efficient, and precise care, based on stringent protocols, can mean the difference between life and death. Designation as a Primary Stroke Center ensures that stroke patients receive the highest level of care possible, right in their own community.”

Sebastian River Medical Center underwent a rigorous, onsite review.  During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with stroke standards spanning several areas including the emergency department, intensive care unit, medical units, radiology, laboratory, nursing, therapy, respiratory, rehabilitation, vascular services, recovery, as well as multiple other medical specialties, like neurology, radiology, critical care and cardiology.  Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies that the Sebastian River Medical Center team complied with rigorous standards in the delivery of stroke care. 

“The quality and dedication of the team at Sebastian River Medical Center is demonstrated every day,” stated Bierman.  “The outstanding care provided to our patients, the coordination of care, establishment of life saving protocols and improved quality outcomes shown by our team has helped Sebastian River Medical Center to achieve Primary Stroke Center Accreditation, as well as ACC Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI – at this time, the only accredited facility in Brevard and Indian River Counties.”

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Sebastian River Medical Center for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

Use the letters in F.A.S.T to spot a Stroke:

F = Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?

A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty -Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T = Time to call 911 - If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately