STAMFORD, CT/February 25, 2014 — Stamford Hospital again received designation as a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) by the Joint Commission. The two-year designation confirms the Hospital’s compliance with consensus-based national standards and effective use of established clinical practice guidelines.
“The collective contributions of our entire stroke team are essential to our overall success and we are particularly thankful for all their hard work and dedication in continuing to provide our patients high-quality care,” said Louise Resor, MD, Director of Neurology and Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Stamford Hospital. “The renewal of this designation verifies that, from our Emergency Department to our specialized facilities, patients receive swift diagnosis and treatment to minimize the likelihood of loss of brain function.”
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, killing more than 129,000 people each year. Because of increasing awareness of symptoms and advances in treatments provided quickly, over the last 10 years the death rate from stroke has fallen about 36 percent. Dr. Resor reiterates that when it comes to treating a stroke, “time is brain” and early diagnosis and treatment can greatly increase the prognosis for recovery. In addition, people should remember the FAST method for identifying a possible stroke:
- F(ace): drooping of the facial muscles, or an uneven smile
- A(rm): numbness running up the arm, or pronounced weakness
- S(peech): is the person slurring their words or having difficulty speaking or understanding
- T(ime): if you are having or suspect someone with you is having a stroke, dial 911 and get to a hospital immediately
The Joint Commission distinction recognizes that the Hospital makes exceptional efforts and provides critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving patient outcomes. As a PSC, Stamford Hospital:
- Uses a standardized method of delivering care based on the Brain Attack Coalition’s “Recommendations for Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers”
- Supports patient self-management activities
- Tailors treatment and intervention to individual needs
- Promotes the flow of patient information across settings and providers, while protecting patient rights, security and privacy
- Analyzes and uses standardized performance measure data to continually improve treatment plans
- Demonstrates its application of and compliance with clinical practice guidelines published by the AHA/ASA or equivalent evidence-based guidelines
You can learn more on Stamford Hospital’s Stroke Center here.