Press Releases

August 13, 2009

Walton Rehabilitation Health System Recertified in Stroke Rehabilitation

by the Joint Commission

Augusta, GA—Walton Rehabilitation Health System’s stroke rehabilitation program has earned another Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality from the Joint Commission, which recently awarded Walton with its Disease-Specific Care Certification.

Walton Rehabilitation Health System is the only health system in the region to be certified in stroke rehabilitation. Walton Rehabilitation Hospital is also accredited by the Joint Commission.

To earn the Disease-Specific Care Certification, a disease management program undergoes an extensive, unannounced, on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program’s processes, the program’s ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff. Certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in providing disease-specific care.

“This certification means Walton Rehabilitation Health System does the right things and does them well for stroke rehabilitation patients,” said Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

“Walton is extremely proud of our stroke team as well as our unique services, such as our rehab-ready stroke unit. These enhancements ensure that Walton continues to provide the cutting edge in rehabilitation for stroke patients and families,” said Dennis Skelley, President and CEO of Walton Rehabilitation Health System. “This distinction from the Joint Commission underscores the hard work of our team in providing the highest-quality care to our patients.”

The Joint Commission launched its Disease-Specific Care Certification program in 2002. It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management programs. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

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