The Sconi

Aspirus Ironwood Hospital has been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Acute Stroke Ready Certification. This marks the first time the hospital has received this recognition.

The certification process involved an onsite review in July, where Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations, interviews, and evaluations of the hospital's adherence to certification standards. These standards include program management, clinical care delivery, and performance improvements developed with the help of healthcare experts, providers, and patients.

Ken Grubbs, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations at The Joint Commission, stated, “Acute Stroke Ready Certification recognizes a health care organization committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care. We commend Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality, and more compassionate care for individuals served."

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Stroke Association, offered her congratulations, saying, “This certification reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

Julie Monville, Director of Nursing for Aspirus Health, expressed pride in the team’s achievement: "Achieving Acute Stroke Ready Certification is a remarkable accomplishment. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team of staff and physicians who work tirelessly to deliver lifesaving education and treatment to our community."

The hospital’s stroke team emphasizes education and preparedness in addressing individual stroke journeys. Their work includes understanding risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, then collaborating with Aspirus providers to provide patient education and resources.

Aspirus Health's Chief Administrative Officer, Rae Kaare, acknowledged the dedication of the staff and physicians: "Achieving Acute Stroke Ready Certification is a significant milestone for Aspirus Health. This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our staff and physicians, who are committed to providing the highest standard of care to our community."

Aspirus Health recommends using the BE FAST method for recognizing stroke symptoms and underscores the importance of timely treatment. Symptoms to watch for include sudden loss of balance, vision changes, facial droop, numbness, slurred speech, or a severe headache. If someone is experiencing any of these signs, immediate emergency assistance should be sought by calling 9-1-1.

For additional information about stroke care or other services offered by Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, visit aspirus.org.