The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification Program, launched in December 2003, was developed in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). There are more than 1,000 certified primary stroke centers in 49 states plus Puerto Rico. Certification is available only to programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals. These hospitals have special stroke teams that better assist patient treatments.

Primary Stroke Centers

Primary stroke centers have dedicated stroke teams, stroke units, and established care protocols to ensure efficient and effective patient care. They provide emergency care for patients with acute strokes. There are currently 7 Primary Stroke Centers in Santa Clara County, the largest number of any county in the United States. They are:

• El Camino Hospital – Los Gatos
• Kaiser Permanente – San Jose
• O’Connor Hospital
• Kaiser Permanente – Santa Clara
• Saint Louise Hospital – Gilroy
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Comprehensive Stroke Centers

There are 2 hospitals that go above and beyond in stroke treatment. They have been awarded the title of Certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers. These hospitals have dedicated neuro-intensive care units for complex stroke patients, use the most advanced and specialized neurointerventional tools and imaging and participate in the ongoing research for stroke. These hospitals are:

• Good Samaritan Hospital
• Stanford Hospital & Clinics

Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center

There is 1 hospital that provides endovascular procedures and post-procedural care. Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) Certification means they meet rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy and providing post-procedural care. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusive ischemic strokes.

• El Camino Hospital – Mountain View
• Regional Medical Center

Click here to learn more about Primary Stroke Centers vs Comprehensive Stroke Centers