South Texas Health System's Physical Rehabilitation Units Earn Stroke Rehabilitation Recertification From The Joint Commission
Following a stroke, 75 percent of survivors experience some form of dysfunction, according to the American Heart Association, with 15 to 30 percent of stroke survivors having severe disability.
Stroke rehabilitation can help patients regain their independence and quality of life, with survivors and their families counting on South Texas Health System to deliver stroke rehabilitation at the highest level.
Since 2018, STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg’s Rehabilitation Services departments have been certified by The Joint Commission as a Gold Seal of Approval® recipient for stroke rehabilitation, and both facilities have been recently recertified through 2026 by the non-profit organization that has served as the gold standard for patient safety and care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
“This certification serves as a testament to South Texas Health System’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier care for stroke survivors and their family members throughout our community," says Ricardo Flores, System Rehab Administrator, STHS. "Rio Grande Valley residents can take comfort in knowing that they can count on our rehabilitation teams at STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg for high-quality stroke rehabilitation care."
STHS Neurosciences and Stroke
For more information about the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute, call 956-632-4944 for stroke and 956-632-4282 for neurosurgery.
The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for stroke. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.
South Texas Health System underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review earlier this year. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with Healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Stroke rehabilitation certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend South Texas Health System for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
South Texas Health System’s Rehabilitation Services Departments are part of the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute, the largest provider of nationally recognized stroke treatment and rehabilitation services in the Rio Grande Valley. The integrated network of facilities includes STHS McAllen, home to a Comprehensive Stroke Center, STHS Edinburg and STHS Heart’s Primary (Level II) Stroke Facilities and the system’s six freestanding emergency departments, each certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission.