Community Medical Center Earns Stroke Certification
Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey, has achieved the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission along with the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark, securing Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification according to rwjbh.org. The hospital secured the designation following an unannounced onsite review on September 9, 2026, where reviewers evaluated clinical care, program management, endovascular thrombectomy performance, staff and physician stroke education, and Emergency Medical Services partnership.
Every second matters when it comes to stroke treatment, and our community members and visitors deserve access to advanced stroke care and other neurology services, close-to-home,
Aaron F. Hajart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Medical Center, said in a statement.
Inside the Review Process
During the September inspection, a team of reviewers assessed how the hospital meets specific clinical standards. These include maintaining 24/7 availability of neurology, neurosurgical, and neurointerventional services alongside an Acute Stroke Team. Hospitals must also demonstrate experience performing thrombectomy procedures and post-procedure care before qualifying for the review.
Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive at Joint Commission, stated that the certification recognizes organizations working to reduce variation in clinical processes. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Stroke Association, congratulated the facility on meeting the high standards required for patient care.
RWJBarnabas Health Stroke Network Expansion
Community Medical Center operates as part of RWJBarnabas Health, which runs New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive stroke network. Within this expansive network are eight primary stroke centers accredited by The Joint Commission, two advanced comprehensive stroke centers certified by The Joint Commission, and two thrombectomy-capable stroke centers. Along with Community Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center holds thrombectomy-capable certification through DNV.
What Services Qualify a Hospital for Stroke Certification?
What specific services must a hospital provide to qualify for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification?
Hospitals must maintain 24/7 availability of neurology, neurosurgical, and neurointerventional services, operate an Acute Stroke Team, and demonstrate experience performing thrombectomy procedures and post-procedure care.
When did Community Medical Center undergo its evaluation?
The Joint Commission conducted a rigorous, unannounced onsite review at the Toms River facility on September 9, 2026.
Which healthcare system operates Community Medical Center?
Community Medical Center operates as part of RWJBarnabas Health, recognized as New Jersey’s largest academic health care system.
Worth a look