Rush-Copley’s Stroke Care Program Awarded Certification from The Joint Commission

(December 27, 2007) — Rush-Copley Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.  The medical center earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an unannounced on-site review in July.  Rush-Copley is the only hospital to earn this distinction in Kane County and the Fox Valley region.

“Rush-Copley demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with nearly 5 million stroke survivors alive today.

“We’re proud to achieve this prestigious distinction,” says Barry C. Finn, CEO of Rush-Copley Medical Center.   “The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes Rush-Copley’s commitment to providing extraordinary care to our patients and our community.”

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program—the nation’s first—in 2003. 

Comprehensive Stroke Care

From stroke prevention education to rehabilitation services, Rush-Copley is the only hospital in the greater Fox Valley area that provides complete stroke and stroke recovery care.   The hospital’s team of neurologists, intensive care physicians, physical, occupational, and speech therapists and outpatient rehabilitation therapists provide best in class care for stroke patients.

“All of the elements of care for a stroke patient are available at Rush-Copley,” said Dennis Keane, M.D.   “By providing all of the services a stroke patient requires at the same facility, patients can be assured to receive optimal continuity of care.”

About Rush-Copley Medical Center

Rush-Copley Medical Center is located on the Rush-Copley Medical Center campus, 2000 Ogden Ave. (Route 34) in Aurora. The 183-bed hospital offers inpatient and outpatient care and progressive technology. Rush-Copley is a member of the Rush-System for Health.

About The Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more then 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. In addition, the Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about the Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.