Gunnison Valley Health Awarded Acute Stroke Ready Certification from The Joint Commission

Gunnison Valley Health recently announced their hospital has earned certification from The Joint Commission as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. This achievement is the result of the ongoing commitment to quality care demonstrated by the physicians, nurses, and a wide range of interdisciplinary team members throughout the organization.

Gunnison Valley Health CEO, Jason Amrich, stated that the certification affirms the care being provided in the hospital is meeting the high standards put forth by The Joint Commission and enables the health system to continue raising the bar and elevating care.

“I am extremely proud of this team, and I commend them for their hard work and dedication,” Amrich said. “By attaining this certification, we have affirmed that we are providing the right care for our community and ongoing, it will provide us the resources and framework for continual growth and quality improvement.”

To achieve certification, Gunnison Valley Health underwent a rigorous review process to ensure that the care provided to patients experiencing a stroke meets defined standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients including the American Stroke Association.

Chris Evans, a registered nurse and Gunnison Valley Health’s Stroke Coordinator, said the resources and oversight from The Joint Commission will help to refine the patient-centered care provided by our organization.

“I have seen firsthand the debilitating effects of stroke,” Evans said. “I want to do whatever I can to lessen those affects by continuously trying to improve the care our hospital provides and thereby, improve patient outcomes.”

Gunnison Valley Health’s Interim Chief Nursing Officer and Emergency Department Director, Nicole Huff, said the health system is also planning to expand community education initiatives.

“Through rapid diagnostics, rapid treatment and when necessary, rapid transfer to a higher level of care we can support patients suffering a stroke to have better outcomes, but we also want to ensure that our community understands why seeking care quickly is so critical,” Huff said. “By recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate care, people can decrease brain damage and lessen the chance of long-term disability.

Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, the American Stroke Association, commended Gunnison Valley Health on their achievement.

“We congratulate Gunnison Valley Health for this outstanding achievement,” Brown said. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”