Memorial Hospital of Gardena is named a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association

GARDENA, Calif., March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Joint Commission, in association with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recently recognized Memorial Hospital of Gardena (MHG) with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers (PSC).   

Memorial Hospital of Gardena underwent a rigorous on-site review, where a team of surveyors from The Joint Commission evaluated MHG's Stroke Center for compliance with the PSC standards and requirements. The criteria for certification includes stroke education, participation in research, access to advanced imaging technology and demonstration of application and compliance with clinical practice guidelines for a PSC.

According to Kathy Wojno, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEO of Memorial Hospital of Gardena, "The achievement of Memorial Hospital of Gardena's Primary Stroke Certification is a well-deserved accomplishment for our physician, nurses and employees who are consistently focused on quality patient care and outcomes."

Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association, The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition's "Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers."  The Joint Commission launched the nation's first program in 2003. Certification is only available to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.

"We are continually focused and committed to providing the most advanced medical and lifesaving care for patients who are suffering from a stroke," says Michael Rembis, FACHE, Corporate Chief Executive Officer of Avanti Hospitals. "Advanced Certification is a voluntary process and we are proud to have The Joint Commission recognize our exceptional efforts and commitment to improving care overall for our community."

In efforts to provide state-of-the-art stroke care, MHG has also forged a partnership with USC Keck's School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Neurosciences Department.  This program will allow their doctors, nurses and patients to interact via video connection directly with the world-class physicians at USC and Cedars-Sinai. 

"The city of Gardena is one of the most ethnically diverse in the country representing equally hispanics, whites, asians, and blacks," adds Dr. Tamika M. Burrus, Medical Director of the Stroke Program for Avanti Hospitals.  "It is truly a microcosm of the stroke belt and thus this certification will positively impact the residents as they receive the most up to date stroke care available in 2017."

As a Primary Stroke Center, Memorial Hospital of Gardena is able to provide affordable, high-quality services to its community with improved outcomes and reduced mortality.  MHG is the first and only hospital in Gardena to receive advanced certification. This will allow citizens in the local communities who are exhibiting the signs of symptoms of a stroke to swiftly seek high-quality emergency care while remaining close to home.

About Avanti Hospitals

The Avanti Hospitals, LLC system consists of Memorial Hospital of Gardena, Coast Plaza Hospital, East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital, and Community Hospital of Huntington Park.  All four acute care hospitals are located near Los Angeles, California. Avanti's mission is to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare services to their community with consistency and compassion, which they achieve by focusing on hospitals in underserved areas that will benefit from this strategy. For more information, visit avantihospitals.com.

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SOURCE Memorial Hospital of Gardena