Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Certified as Primary Stroke Center

Hospital Recognized for Meeting Specialized Needs of Stroke Patients

Alexandria, VA – (June 1, 2010) — The Joint Commission, which oversees accreditation and certification of more than 17,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, has officially certified Inova Mount Vernon Hospital as a Primary Stroke Center, making it part of an elite group of fewer than 20 centers in Virginia.

Certification signifies that the services provided by the hospital have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes. It also shows the community that the quality care provided by the hospital is effectively managed to meet the specialized needs of stroke patients.

“Stroke patients require immediate and specialized care to lessen the long-term effects of a stroke,” said Barbara Doyle, CEO, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. “This certification is a reminder to our community that we have dedicated resources and highly trained staff needed to effectively treat a stroke patient during an emergency.”

As part of the Joint Commission certification review, clinical experts reviewed the hospital’s standard practices and outcomes. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital earned the certification by demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission’s national standards for stroke care, quality and safety.

Inova Mount Vernon joins Inova Alexandria, Inova Fairfax, and Inova Loudoun hospitals as designated Primary Stroke Centers.

The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Its Primary Stroke Center Certification program was developed through a collaboration with the American Stroke Association.

According to the American Heart Association, about 795,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Stroke kills more than 143,000 people per year and is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Visit inova.org/stroke for additional information about stroke and its warning signs.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.