Centra Southside Community Hospital

Three Centra programs earn national recognition

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.