Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center

The UMMC Stroke Center is certified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC). According to The Joint Commission, the CSC certification “is the most demanding stroke certification and is designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.”

UMMC is one of only two hospitals in Mississippi to achieve this certification.

The CSC certification demonstrates a commitment to a high standard of care for stroke patients, along with a patient-centered approach.

Hospitals that achieve CSC certification must meet the most extensive list of requirements. Some of these include:

• Use of standardized care with evidence-based guidelines for stroke
• Experience performing a high volume of stroke proceduresA knowledgeable medical director
• An acute stroke team, available 24/7
• Collaboration with emergency medical services
• Dedicated facilities, including intensive care coverage
• Advanced diagnostic testing
• 24/7 availability of specialists in neurology and neurosurgery
• Advanced treatment capabilities
• Ability to accept transfers from other hospitals
• Meeting clinical performance measures
• Adherence to clinical guidelines

Other requirements include stroke-specific medical research, and continuing education for clinical staff. All staff who care for stroke patients have required annual education specific to their job role.

The Joint Commission reviewers assess a hospital's stroke program over a period of two days to ensure it meets certification requirements. A hospital must pass this in-depth review before certification is awarded.