Scotland Health Becomes First Hospital of Its Size in the Region to Earn Advanced Primary Stroke Certification

Scotland Health is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement: it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Primary Stroke Certification—marking the first time in the organization’s history that it has received this prestigious designation.  

This certification is not just a milestone for Scotland Health—it’s a regional distinction as the first hospital of its size in the area to hold this advanced accreditation, and one of the few small rural hospitals nationwide to pursue and attain it. Many hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, do not pursue this level of certification due to the demanding standards, extensive resource requirements, and the rigorous evaluation process involved. Scotland Health’s new accreditation demonstrates its unwavering commitment to delivering world-class care, regardless of geography or size.  

“This recognition reflects the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of our entire stroke certification team,” said Bebe Holt, Senior vice president of care services and chief nursing officer.   

She credits team leaders Latoscha Campbell, director of emergency services, and Dr. Jennifer Isenhour, medical director of the stroke program, for making this pursuit of excellence possible.   

The certification followed a rigorous onsite review conducted on September 15, during which a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated Scotland Health’s compliance with over 100 national standards for stroke care. These standards—developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, measurement experts, and patients—ensure that certified facilities deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment.  

 
“The surveyor was highly complimentary of our team’s performance and was impressed that we achieved such strong results on our very first attempt,” Holt added. “That speaks volumes about the quality, preparation, and passion of our staff.”  

Why This Certification Matters  

Improved Patient Outcomes: Certified centers consistently demonstrate lower mortality rates, fewer complications, and better long-term recovery.  

Rapid, Life-Saving Treatment: Certification requires a 24/7 stroke-focused program, enabling faster diagnoses and treatment—often achieving “door-to-needle” times under 45–60 minutes for administering clot-dissolving therapy (tPA).  

“Achieving Advanced Primary Stroke Certification is a proud moment for our Emergency Services team,” said Latoscha Campbell. “It validates the systems we’ve built to respond rapidly and effectively when every second counts. We’re honored to be part of a team that puts patient safety and excellence at the forefront of everything we do.”  

“This achievement is a powerful example of how we live out ‘The Scotland Way’—providing Safe, High-Quality, Compassionate, and Sustainable care to every patient, every time,” Holt concluded. “We are proud of our team and the difference they make in the lives of our patients and our community. This certification proves that rural hospitals can lead the way in delivering exceptional care.”