Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital is pleased to announce that its stroke program has been recertified by The Joint Commission, the healthcare industry’s most prestigious accrediting and standards-setting entity.

Since first securing the designation of “Advanced Primary Stroke Center” in 2007, Saint Thomas Rutherford has maintained this status by meeting the requirements of biennial on-site surveys led by outside reviewers from The Joint Commission.

This year’s day-long survey included interviews with physician, nursing, and speech pathology staff; observation of a code stroke in the emergency department; and inspection of all areas of the hospital touched by stroke patients. For the second time in a row, Rutherford obtained The Joint Commission’s highest ratings.

“Our survey results are confirmation of Saint Thomas Rutherford’s ongoing commitment to stroke patients,” said Gordon Ferguson, President and CEO, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. “We are proud to offer such a high-quality stroke program right here in Murfreesboro, thanks to the impeccable professionalism of our team and their insistence on providing the best care possible.”

Having received no “official findings” or suggested areas for improvement by The Joint Commission, Saint Thomas Rutherford is committed to pursuing higher levels of certification and looks forward to serving Middle Tennessee in increased capacities.