Independence Health System Hospitals Awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Greensburg, Pa., July 16, 2025 – Independence Health System’s Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals have once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification. This recent achievement further highlights the system’s unwavering commitment to adhering to best practices in stroke care, resulting in exceptional patient care and outcomes.

To be eligible, healthcare organizations must undergo a rigorous evaluation by Joint Commission reviewers to ensure compliance with related certification standards. These standards cover areas such as program management, support for patient self-management, and the delivery and coordination of clinical care. Developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, measurement experts, and patients, the standards reflect best practices. As part of the evaluation, reviewers also conducted on-site observations, and staff interviews to assess how these standards are applied in real-time.

“The Primary Stroke Center 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 Independence Health System’s Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospital’s 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.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a stroke is a key factor in improving survival rates, minimizing disability, and improving recovery time. Consult with your healthcare provider or visit www.independence.health/stroke for more information on stroke care and prevention guidelines.

“This certification is a reflection of the dedication and collaboration of our stroke care teams across Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals,” said Dr. Cathleen Adams, hospital-based neurologist and Stroke Program Medical Director at Independence Health System’s Westmoreland area hospitals. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering timely, evidence-based care that improves outcomes and saves lives. We’re proud to be recognized for the expert care we provide to support stroke patients and their families, right here in our community.”

“We congratulate Independence Health System’s Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospital’s for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart/Stroke Association. “This certification reflects their commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital is also a certified Primary Stroke Center, as recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc., demonstrating the organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive and coordinated stroke care throughout its network. The system treats more than 1,000 patients for stroke annually.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health