HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced Wednesday that The Joint Commission, a respected international accreditation agency for healthcare organizations, in conjunction with the American Heart and Stroke Associations, has granted advanced certification to the Hutch Regional Primary Stroke Center. The designation is for two years and is recertification for a similar award granted in 2016.

Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care, and performance improvement. Approximately 450 patients with stroke symptoms sought treatment in the Hutch Regional Emergency Department during 2018. The American Heart and Stroke associations list stroke as a leading cause of death and disability in the nation.

The Hutch Regional Primary Stroke Center is one of 12 in Kansas, five of which are in metropolitan Kansas City.