Saint Luke’s North Hospital awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission

KANSAS CITY, MO — A regional leader in stroke care, Saint Luke’s North Hospital has become the first center in the Northland to achieve Primary Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission. The advanced certification recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. 

“Saint Luke’s is committed to providing the highest quality health care in the Northland, and we are extremely proud of our hospital and stroke team for being the only Northland center to achieve this prestigious designation,” said Adele Ducharme, CEO of Saint Luke’s North Hospital. “Saint Luke’s Health System offers one of most comprehensive stroke programs in the nation, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, safety and patient care outcomes.”

Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes stroke centers that have the infrastructure, staff and training to effectively manage and meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients. Saint Luke’s North Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review by The Joint Commission in March 2018 and according to The Joint Commission, Saint Luke’s North Hospital excelled in all areas of the survey, with particular emphasis on the staff and individualized care for patients. The certification program was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association. 

“We congratulate Saint Luke’s North Hospital for achieving this designation,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “By adhering to this very specific set of treatment guidelines, Saint Luke’s North Hospital has clearly made it a priority to deliver high quality care to all patients affected by stroke.”

During a stroke, time equals brain cells saved, so every second counts when it comes to receiving treatment. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every four minutes. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Saint Luke’s North Hospital is part of Saint Luke’s Health System, which consists of 10 area hospitals and campuses, as well as several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.