Grand Itasca Designated a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission
Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has officially been designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, marking a major advancement in stroke care for the region and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care close to home.
Grand Itasca underwent a rigorous onsite review during which a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards and conducted observations and interviews.
“This designation represents a significant investment in our community and surrounding rural areas,” said Dr. Simon Lick, Lead Hospitalist and Stroke Medical Director at Grand Itasca. “Patients now have faster, more reliable access to stroke-trained neurologists, along with around-the-clock consultation and advanced clinical protocols that support rapid diagnosis and treatment. These improvements are critical to reducing disability and saving lives.”
As a designated Primary Stroke Center, Grand Itasca has strengthened access to specialized stroke care in a rural setting, helping reduce the need for long-distance transfers and ensuring patients receive timely, lifesaving treatment closer to home. The designation reflects a coordinated, team-based approach that brings together emergency medicine, nursing, imaging, rehabilitation, and neurology to deliver consistent, high-quality care aligned with national standards.
“Our team has worked diligently to build and refine a comprehensive stroke program that meets the highest standards of care,” said Kelly Handyside, RN, Trauma & Stroke Program Coordinator at Grand Itasca. “From enhancing staff education and implementing evidence-based protocols to improving coordination across departments, this achievement underscores our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
To achieve designation, Grand Itasca implemented standardized stroke protocols, expanded access to stroke neurology expertise through 24/7 consultation, enhanced rapid imaging capabilities, and established ongoing performance monitoring and quality improvement initiatives. These efforts ensure sustained excellence in patient care and adherence to best practices.
This milestone highlights Grand Itasca’s dedication to strengthening rural health care delivery and keeping advanced care local, ensuring that every patient has access to timely, expert stroke treatment when it matters most.
