A UF health care center in Jacksonville is one step closer to becoming a hospital.
UF Health North, located at 15255 Max Leggett Parkway in Jacksonville, was recognized by a national nonprofit for its acute stroke program, which treats patients immediately after a stroke on an emergency basis. The certification will help the facility become an official hospital, said Jesef Williams, a communications coordinator for UF Health Communications.
The facility was notified of the certification on Jan. 25, said Marsha Walker, the nurse manager at UF Health North’s emergency department.
The Joint Commission, a national nonprofit organization which accredits and certifies hospitals and health care centers, recognizes facilities with outstanding care through stroke programs, Williams said. Along with serving as an emergency center for stroke patients, UF Health North, which has been open for two years, also provides emergency medical care.
“Especially as it relates to the northeast Florida community and Georgia with the emergence of Health North, we’re able to provide those robust reserves to this area that didn’t have the access that they have now,” Williams said.
Walker said UF Health North met the qualifications for the recognition, which included having qualified medical professionals, a stroke-focused program and the 24/7 ability to test and diagnose patients, according to UF Health’s website.
“I think it lets people know that we are dedicated to the community,” she said. “It ensures that we don’t just have the drugs available; we have the processes available.”
