Sacramento Medical Center has once again proven its excellence in advanced stroke care. The Joint Commission has recertified it as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a distinction held by only 211 hospitals nationwide. Since earning this prestigious designation in 2017, the hospital has maintained it, solidifying its role as a major referral center for advanced stroke care locally and within Northern California.
A rigorous review by the Joint Commission surveyors followed the Comprehensive Stroke Center designation. The survey team noted several best practices, including:
- Physician outreach to stroke patients 7 days post-discharge.
- A dedicated patient care coordinator and social worker.
- The Wellness After Stroke class and journey to Magnet status.
- A pilot in the Neuro Unit to provide patients with blood pressure cuffs and education upon discharge.
This achievement reflects the hospital’s strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential to delivering and maintaining the highest standard of care for patients requiring advanced medical and surgical stroke treatment. Jason Murray, MSN, RN, Quality Nurse Consultant for Stroke, highlighted the staff’s dedication to quality stroke care, stating, “Our team is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for stroke patients. Maintaining a prestigious designation requires us to adhere to and exceed the highest standards of advanced stroke care. We are not just checking boxes—our patient outcomes are the true measure of our success.”
Neuro Clinical Nurse Specialist Almaz Haile, MSN, RN, CCNS, CNS, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, adding, “Every department plays a critical role—from the Emergency Department, Interventional Radiology, and Pharmacy to the ICU and Transport teams. This coordinated effort ensures we deliver care promptly and effectively when every second counts.”