Landmark Earns Stroke Accreditation

Landmark Medical Center’s new program to treat stroke victims has been certified by The Joint Commission, the United States’ main accrediting body of health care organizations and programs.

Landmark has been added to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s official list of Certified Stroke Centers, enabling the medical center to treat more Northern Rhode Island residents who are likely to have, or have suffered, a stroke.

“Heart attack and stroke are two leading causes of death in Northern Rhode Island residents,” said Richard Charest, president of Landmark Medical Center. “Landmark already has an outstanding cardiac program. This new Joint Commission-approved program will now allow Landmark to provide excellent
acute stroke care locally as well.

“Because of Northern Rhode Island’s high elderly population, and the increased likelihood of stroke for people 65 and older, Landmark’s improved capability to treat patients suffering from stroke and offer rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island is arriving at a crucial time,” Charest said.

By law, patients having a stroke are transported by Rhode Island EMS rescue units only to hospitals that are certified. Landmark’s accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center broadens the reach of the number of patients it can serve. The commission’s certification took effect May 7 and the DOH gave its certification
May 14.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, according to 2012 statistics from the American Heart Association. May is the American Heart Association’s American Stroke Month.