HJAR Nov/Dec 2019

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  NOV / DEC 2019 61 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalAR.com Mercy Hospital NWA Achieves Primary Stroke Center Certification The Joint Commission announced recently that Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas has earned certification as a Primary Stroke Center. The cer- tification means Mercy Hospital can display The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, a sym- bol of quality that reflects Mercy’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. Mercy has a stroke team on site 24 hours a day, aug- mented by support from vStroke, Mercy’s virtual stroke program. Mercy Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review June 12. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management and delivering and facilitating clini- cal care. Joint Commission standards are devel- oped in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observa- tions and interviews. ”Achieving Primary Stroke Center status speaks to the dedication of Mercy Hospital’s stroke team and their commitment to providing consistently excellent response to stroke,” said Eric Pianalto, president of Mercy Hospital. “I’m so proud of this team and all of the co-workers who support stroke care for addressing this important healthcare need in our community.” Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care, said Mark Pelletier, chief oper- ating officer for Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its pro- gram structure and management framework for stroke patients,” he said. In addition, The Joint Commission announced that Mercy Bella Vista, a multispecialty facility with a 24-hour Emergency Department, is certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. The certification signifies the clinic’s expertise in diagnosing and treating stroke. CHI St. Vincent Welcomes Dr. MeaghanMasini to Hot Springs Village Clinic Dr. Meaghan Masini has joined CHI St. Vincent Primary Care Clinic, located at the West Gate in Hot Springs Village. Masini specializes in geriatric medicine and help ensure residents of the village continue to have access to care right in the com- munity where they live. She is now seeing patients at the clinic located at 4417 Highway 7 North. Mercy Hospital Stroke Team