Primary Stroke Certification Achieved

Sr. Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer Kerry Milton announces:

"It is with great excitement to announce that St. Tammany Parish Hospital completed their Primary Stroke Certification survey by the Joint Commission last Friday and was subsequently awarded with the Stroke Accreditation designation!

"This was accomplished by the coordinated efforts of multidisciplinary teams working together to ensure success. The Joint Commission surveyor was overly impressed with the program we have put together, and found no requirements for improvement (RFI). Completing a survey with no RFIs is an impressive accomplishment! 

"At one point the surveyor stated St. Tammany Parish Hospital is truly functioning at a comprehensive level when it comes to the care that is being provided and the outcomes that are being monitored.  

"Below are just some of the positive comments the surveyor shared during the closing:
Great Leadership Collaboration with Ochsner
The overall nursing care was great
The staff didn't seem nervous; eager to answer questions
Community Education Case Management High Risk Screening Process Paramedic at Registration in the ED – Best practice!
Stroke Code Algorithms - Best practice!
Staff Education PT/OT, Lab, and Radiology involvement  

"A very special thank you to Toby Tournillon, Stroke Coordinator and Dr. Pat Torcson, Stroke Program Medical Director for their leadership, and to Louise Dill, RN, Department Head for her passion regarding stroke patient care. Thank you also to all the members of the Stroke Committee for their work and dedication the last two years and finally to Melissa Gueringer, RN, ED whose work on the algorithms were noted by the surveyor to be the 'best she had seen.'  

"Please share this exciting news with your staff and join me in congratulating the entire St. Tammany Parish Hospital team!"