March 12, 2014 — The Joint Commission—the organization that accredits hospitals nationwide—has certified Marshall Medical Center as a Primary Stroke Center.

The certification followed intense internal work at MMC to ensure the hospital’s stroke treatment protocols meet or exceed stringent Joint Commission standards. Following an extensive onsite survey by the accrediting organization, Marshall was awarded the noteworthy distinction.

Kathy Krejci, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and lead executive over the Emergency Department and Trauma Center, said, “This achievement is a great reflection of the quality stroke care we provide to our patients. With stroke, time is of critical importance, and our protocols ensure we are able to treat these patients in a time sensitive manner, using the latest technology and medicine, to reduce damage from stroke and provide the best outcomes possible.”

Requirements for certification are numerous and strict. Requirements include that a hospital must be able to demonstrate a comprehensive, time-sensitive stroke treatment program, use the most current diagnostic technology and therapeutic pharmaceutical intervention and have specially trained doctors and nurses.

Marshall Medical Center is an independent, nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. Marshall Medical Center includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 113 beds in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has more than 200 board-certified physicians and 1,500 employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 175,000 residents of El Dorado County.