For Immediate Release: Aug. 8, 2011

Grady Receives Second Consecutive Perfect Score In Joint Commission Stroke Center Recertification

Hospital Praised for Innovation and Commitment to Top Quality Care

Contact: Jennie Olshaske
Phone: (404) 616-7084
E-mail: JOlshaske@gmh.edu

Grady Memorial Hospital received another perfect score, with no recommendations for improvement (RFI's), on its Joint Commission Advanced Primary Stroke Center recertification survey on Aug. 3. Grady was the first U.S. ‘safety net' public hospital to be designated a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center in 2005 and has since been recertified after each bi-annual survey in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

"In the surveyor's evaluation of the stroke program and Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, she commended staff and leadership for working together to build a regional destination for stroke and neuroscience care. She noted the center's innovative and cutting edge practices and encouraged leadership to share those best practices with others in the field," says Dr. Michael Frankel, Grady's Chief of Neurology and Professor of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine. "Her remarks validate everything we have been working so hard to build here at the Marcus Center. This tells us we are on target with our goals and ready to deliver the best possible care to our patients."

The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Stroke center recertification surveys are conducted every two years. Since its founding in 1951, The Joint Commission has been acknowledged as the leader in developing the highest standards for quality and safety in the delivery of health care, and evaluating organization performance based on these standards.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Department and Burn Center, Grady has the premier level I trauma center in the region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady as well.

The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, Grady Diabetes Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Avon Breast Health Center are also notable components of the health system. Additionally, Grady's Ponce de Leon Center was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other key services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, dedicated 60 Plus services for older adults, Teen Services, and the Rape Crisis Center. Nationally ranked in one specialty, Grady was named one of Atlanta's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

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