This certification recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous national standards in stroke treatment, care coordination and patient outcomes. In recent years, UC Health has continued to expand neuroscience services at West Chester Hospital, increasing access to advanced subspecialty care closer to home, including the growth of endovascular capabilities such as thrombectomy.
“We’re incredibly proud to once again receive recertification from The Joint Commission for the exceptional stroke care provided at West Chester Hospital,” said Jen Jackson, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at UC Health West Chester Hospital. “This recognition underscores the expertise and unwavering dedication of our frontline caregivers in providing exceptional, timely high-quality care to our patients.”
To earn the designation, West Chester Hospital underwent a comprehensive onsite review in February, during which Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the hospital’s compliance with advanced stroke certification standards. The review included assessments of stroke program management, patient education, rapid diagnosis and treatment protocols, and the delivery of high-quality clinical care. Surveyors also conducted interviews and direct observations of staff and patient care processes.
“This recertification reflects the strength of our system-wide approach to stroke care,” said Charles Prestigiacomo, MD, director of neurovascular surgery at UC Health. “From rapid diagnosis in the emergency department to advanced interventions and coordinated recovery, our teams are aligned to deliver the highest level of care at every stage.”
The Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers program, established in 2003, recognizes hospitals that deliver specialized stroke care supported by clinical expertise and standardized treatment protocols. The designation is awarded for a two-year period to accredited acute care hospitals that demonstrate ongoing compliance with national stroke care standards.
“Stroke care at West Chester Hospital is built on speed, expertise and access to advanced treatments,” said Natalie Kreitzer, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine at the UC College of Medicine and medical director for stroke care at West Chester Hospital. “From clot-busting medications that can quickly restore blood flow to minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures to remove clots, our patients benefit from the full spectrum of stroke therapies. Every case is evaluated in close coordination with the world-class UC stroke team, ensuring patients receive the most effective, evidence-based care at the right time.”
West Chester Hospital’s recertification includes The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Stroke Certification, symbols of quality that reflect a commitment to providing safe, high-quality care.
As part of UC Health, the region’s only adult academic health system, West Chester Hospital provides access to leading specialists and advanced treatments for complex medical conditions. The hospital is also a Level III Trauma Center, a certified Primary Stroke Center, and a Magnet®-designated hospital recognized for excellence in nursing care.
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