Published on November 11, 2008

Southern Regional Health System receives Certificate of Distinction from Joint Commission on stroke care

Riverdale, GA -- Southern Regional Health System, the Southern Crescent's leader in innovative healthcare, received a Certificate of Distinction from the Joint Commission, a national healthcare accrediting body, earlier this week. Southern Regional is the only hospital serving the Southern Crescent with this distinction.

The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association. It is based on the Brain Attack Coalition's Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers.

The certification follows a rigorous evaluation process ensuring the hospital meets high national care standards and possesses critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke victims.

"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States," said Edward J. Bonn, FACHE, President and CEO of Southern Regional Health System. "This advanced certification from the Joint Commission is further evidence that Southern Regional is increasing the quality of care for our community by providing the highest level of care should they or a loved one suffer from a stroke."

Often times, a patient's outcome is impacted by early detection of first warning signs. For this reason, Southern Regional spent 18 months working with internal departments and external partners, such as Clayton, Fayette and Henry County EMS, to develop a system of quick identification, transport and treatment of stroke victims.

John Scuderi, MHA, FACHE, managing director, neurosciences oversaw the accreditation effort. "The coordination necessary to identify, treat and rehabilitate stroke victims takes hand-in-hand coordination from our community healthcare partners and all Southern Regional departments. I commend all involved in securing this certification and, most importantly, in saving the lives of stroke victims."

For more information:
Kari Hilyer
770-897-7228

kari.hilyer@southernregional.org