CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and now holds Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification. The recognition makes CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs the only hospital in Arkansas to hold Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Primary Heart Attack Center and Total Hip and Knee Replacement certifications from The Joint Commission.

“We see a high prevalence of stroke affecting patients across Southwest Arkansas so it’s especially important that they know that they have convenient access to the highest quality of care right here in Hot Springs,” said CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Dr. Douglas Ross. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team and their commitment to patient care. To be recognized for our high standards of care and patient outcomes across stroke, heart attack and total hip and knee replacement cases is a true honor for our entire community.

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review as part of the certification process. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We congratulate CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.