KRMC awarded advanced certification for primary stroke centers
Kalispell Regional Medical Center announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.
KRMC underwent a rigorous onsite review. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care and performance improvement. Established in 2003, Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded for a two-year period to acute care hospitals.
“KRMC has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of stroke patients through its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. “We commend KRMC for becoming a leader in stroke care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for stroke patients in its community.”
“We congratulate KRMC for achieving this designation,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “By adhering to this very specific set of treatment guidelines KRMC has clearly made it a priority to deliver high quality care to all patients affected by stroke.”
Stroke care can begin before reaching the hospital, often when friends or family recognize the signs of stroke and alert emergency medical services (EMS). Local EMS notify the hospital of potential stroke patients while en route to the hospital, giving the emergency department time to activate the stroke team before the patient arrives. The stroke team composed of nurses, doctors, neurologists, radiologists, CT technicians, pharmacists, and laboratory work together to diagnose and treat stroke patients quickly and efficiently.
It’s important to remember that stroke is largely treatable. It’s a matter of getting the right treatment right away. The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the stroke patient is to recover. “We have the unique opportunity to have the greatest impact on patient outcomes by providing rapid evaluations and interventions,” said KRMC emergency department physician, Tyler Hoppes, MD.
Stroke care doesn’t stop in the emergency department. Patients are often admitted to stroke units within the hospital for further evaluation and rehabilitation.
“As a hospitalist, we admit the majority of stroke patients to the hospital and it is an incredible honor to be part of a robust and cohesive team to care for these patients," said KRMC hospitalist Anna Robbins, MD. "From nursing to therapies to subspecialty care with neurology, neurosurgery and physiatry, the stroke care team at KRMC is truly awe inspiring.”
“KRMC is pleased to receive Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association,” said Kurt Lindsay, MD Stroke Medical Director KRMC. “This certification provides us with the opportunity to highlight the exceptional stroke care we provide as well as to continually strive to advance our care even further.”