Centra, Central Virginia's Medical Leader

Centra has once again received national recognition for its quality in health care. Centra’s hip and knee replacement, stroke and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) treatment programs all received outstanding marks from The Joint Commission during recent on-site visits.

Centra’s hip and knee replacement programs have been recommended for certification without deficiencies by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Centra’s total joint program was praised for its highly qualified surgeons, nursing excellence, patient-centered care, teamwork, well-kept and well-designed physical environment, patient education classes and dedicated resources.

The Joint Commission also recommended two of the orthopaedic programs’ components for recognition as best practices. They are Centra’s bed management system and its use on the orthopaedic floor as well as the consistent utilization for the care boards in each patient room.

After an extensive evaluation of Centra’s processes and ability to evaluate and improve care, The Joint Commission also recently recommended Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for recertification.

The Joint Commission specifically praised Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for its process for the administration of tPA (clot busting drug), dedication to performance improvement and educated staff members. The Joint Commission also encouraged Centra to continue its plan to become a Comprehensive Stroke Center when guidelines are released next year.

Centra Lynchburg General Hospital already holds The Joint Commission National Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification recognizes the center for making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care.

In addition, Centra Lynchburg General Hospital recently received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Centra’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence- based guidelines.  The award demonstrates Centra’s commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing aggressive, proven stroke care.

In August, The Joint Commission re-certified Centra’s program for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The Joint Commission had no suggestions for improvement after an extensive on-site evaluation of Centra’s quality data, processes and ability to evaluate and improve heart attack care. Centra received certification in disease-specific certification in AMI. This national certification recognizes that Centra exceeds national standards and guidelines that result in heart attack care excellence.

For more information about Centra’s orthopaedic, stroke and cardiac programs, go to CentraHealth.com.