Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Hospital Earns Primary Stroke Center Certification

March 25, 2005

To earn the Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center certification, a hospital must undergo a voluntary, rigorous evaluation and demonstrate the critical elements necessary to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients. Certification is based on the recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association's statements/guidelines for stroke care.  According to the Joint Commission, Primary Stroke Center designation is considered the Gold Seal of Approval  for health care quality and safety. It also allows the public to identify which hospitals provide the best possible treatment and results for stroke patients.

"Holy Name Hospital demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients," says Charles A. Mowll, executive vice president, Business Development, Government and External Relations, of JCAHO.

Holy Name Hospital successfully completed the evaluation process in mid-February. Only 101 hospitals in the nation currently hold Primary Stroke Center designation.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain suddenly bursts or becomes blocked.  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease, striking every 45 seconds, 700,000 times per year, and claiming 160,000 lives per year.  Stroke is also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, affecting 4.7 million Americans.

According to Richard M. Schwab, M.D., Holy Name Hospitals director of Emergency Medicine, stroke care services start in the ambulance and continue after discharge.

"Time is of the essence when treating stroke. The faster we can treat the patient, the better the patients chances for a complete recovery," says Dr. Schwab. "Our specially-designed approach allows the Emergency Department staff to quickly diagnose stroke and begin the most appropriate treatment within the three-hour window in which it is most effective."

Studies show that stroke patients who receive care within three hours of the onset of symptoms have a greater chance of survival and fewer complications, such as paralysis, than those who wait longer before seeking care.

"We employ a multidisciplinary approach to stroke care," adds Mark Haas, M.D., neurologist and director of strokes services at Holy Name Hospital.  "This means our team of health care professionals, from neurologists to nurses, pharmacists to radiologists, is specially educated to work in concert to quickly and effectively implement the appropriate plan of care."

During their hospital stay, stroke patients receive services such as nursing care, respiratory care, drug therapy and rehabilitation services (physical, occupational and speech therapy) that are geared toward the unique needs of stroke patients.

After discharge, Holy Name Hospital continues to provide care through Home Health Care Services, and provides stroke rehabilitation services on an outpatient basis.

"We have an entire continuum of stroke care here weve set standards, established protocols and coordinated efforts, all to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care possible," says Lee Carney, RN, assistant vice president of Patient Services at Holy Name Hospital.

Raising community awareness is also an integral part of the stroke care program, adds Carney.

"A major component of our Stroke Center focuses on community education," she says.  "Through our Community Education and Emergency Services departments, we employ initiatives such as lectures and screenings to help individuals learn the risk factors and warning signs for early detection and prevention."

Common symptoms of stroke include: sudden severe headache; visual disturbances including blurred vision or blindness; sudden trouble walking; dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; loss of consciousness; paralysis or weakness; loss of bladder and bowel control; difficulty in speaking; and numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side.

Individuals who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately, says Carney.

"Remember every minute counts.  Learning the signs and acting quickly could save your life or improve your chances for successful rehabilitation and recovery."

In addition to earning Primary Stroke Certification by the JCAHO, Holy Name Hospital was also a recipient of the highest rating of five stars for stroke services by HealthGrades, a leading information resource and provider of objective healthcare ratings, in January.  It also received the 2005 Distinguished Hospital Award by HealthGrades, placing it among the top 5% of hospitals nationally for clinical excellence.