St. Jude Earns National Recognition As An Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center

Designation earned by less than 100 of the nation's hospitals

Fullerton, CA /PRNewswire/ - St. Jude Medical Center (SJMC) has been certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, a level of recognition reserved for an elite group of hospitals capable of treating the most complex stroke cases. SJMC is one of only 10 hospitals in the state to have earned this advanced designation.

"From mild stroke to the most severe and challenging types of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, we are creating outcomes that were unthinkable a decade ago," says Johnson Moon, MD, Medical Director, Stroke Program, SJMC. "This honor highlights our ability to consistently meet and exceed national standards and benchmarks."

The certification recognizes the significant differences in expertise, resources and training that are necessary for the treatment of complex stroke cases. Fewer than 100 of the nation's hospitals offer this level of care.

"With the advances in technology and expertise available here, we are increasingly able to go beyond simply treating a stroke – and actually prevent or reverse its effects," explains Hamed Farid, MD, Medical Director, Interventional Neuroradiology, SJMC. "Stroke remains a leading cause of death and the number one cause of disability, yet the care available at a handful of hospitals, like St. Jude, is making a significant improvement in the outcomes."

The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, conducted a rigorous on-site review of the hospital's stroke program in February, collecting data and evaluating performance in areas from stroke research and neuro-interventional capabilities, to patient outcomes and post-hospital care.

The Joint Commission allows hospitals to apply for two advanced certifications in stroke care, "primary" or "comprehensive." Comprehensive Stroke Centers offer the highest level of care, including dedicated neurointensive unit, complicated neurosurgical interventions, and advanced brain and blood-vessel imaging, as well as a staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.

"This designation reflects the extraordinary dedication and talent of our neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, neurointensivists, physiatrists, specially-trained nurses, and clinical and support staff – who offer expert care around-the-clock, for stroke from any cause, whether a blocked artery, ruptured aneurysm, or brain hemorrhage," explains Lee Penrose, President and CEO, SJMC.

St. Jude Medical Center's Stroke Program includes the most advanced neurosurgical capabilities in the state, as well as a cutting-edge neurointervention lab. It also provides the combined expertise of nearly a dozen specialties, including Southern California's largest group of board-certified neurocritical care experts and a CARF accredited stroke recovery program.

The hospital's highly-rated stroke program is part of the newly created St. Jude Medical Center Neurosciences Institute, which brings together widely respected services in spine, sleep disorders, brain injuries, pain medicine, brain and spinal tumors, neurorehabilitation and movement disorders.

The Joint Commission developed the criteria for Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, including recommendations from the Brain Attack Coalition and a multidisciplinary advisory panel of experts in complex stroke care.

Stroke Statistics

• Someone in the U.S. has a stroke about once every 40 seconds, making it the 5thleading cause of death, and the leading cause of disability.
• While strokes among those 55 and older have declined slightly, the number of strokes among those 20-44 is rising.
• For every minute a stroke goes untreated, a person loses 1.9 million neurons, making immediate access to medical treatment vital.

About St. Jude Medical Center
St. Jude Medical Center is a nationally-recognized, non-profit, 351-bed hospital in Orange County, California. Established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange in 1957, the faith-based medical center has distinguished itself in a wide range of clinical areas, including cancer, stroke, orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and cardiology. With highly respected physicians, nurses and support staff, St. Jude offers nearly every medical specialty and sub-specialty, and serves patients throughoutSouthern California. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and recognized for its superior care by organizations as diverse as the American College of Surgeons and U.S. News & World Report. St. Jude is synonymous with excellence and continues to provide exceptional, comprehensive care to all who walk through its doors. Visit stjudemedicalcenter.org for more information.