Stafford, VA, (August 1, 2024) – Mary Washington Healthcare is proud to announce that Stafford Hospital has earned the designation as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission. This esteemed recognition signifies the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, timely care for stroke patients, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to serve our community’s health needs.

The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital designation is awarded to facilities that meet rigorous standards for stroke care. This includes having a dedicated stroke-focused program, trained staff, and the necessary equipment to diagnose and treat strokes swiftly and effectively. This designation is particularly impactful for Stafford Hospital, as it enhances the hospital’s capability to serve a growing community, ensuring that critical stroke care is quickly accessible to those who need it most.

“This achievement underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care,” says Debra Marinari, associate vice president of nursing operations, Mary Washington Healthcare. “Being recognized as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital means we have the protocols, technology, and expertise in place to respond rapidly and effectively to stroke emergencies. This is a critical advancement for our hospital as we continue striving for excellence and improving our services to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”

“Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Stafford 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.” 

The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital designation positions Stafford Hospital as a vital healthcare resource in the community, capable of delivering prompt and effective stroke care. This achievement not only enhances the hospital’s reputation but also ensures that residents have access to crucial medical services close to home.

For more information about advanced stroke care at Mary Washington Healthcare, visit Stroke.mwhc.com.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 60 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.