Holland Hospital has been awarded Primary Stroke Center certification (PSC) by the accrediting organization DNV Healthcare.
The designation signifies that Holland Hospital has met the rigorous standards for treatment of stroke victims as defined by the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and the Recommendations of the American Stroke Association.“On behalf of our patients and their families, we are very proud of this achievement,” says Carolyn Schaefer, Nursing Director and leader of the hospital’s stroke center initiative. “Our stroke team has specialized training and follows consistent protocols for immediate, appropriate response in caring for stroke patients. The community can feel secure knowing that we offer this level of stroke treatment expertise.”
To qualify as a Primary Stroke Center, hospitals must undergo a detailed assessment which includes analysis of patient outcomes, review of treatment processes, surveyor observations, staff interviews and an extensive document review. In addition, certified centers are subject to continuing review of performance in following guidelines, achieving outcome goals and educating the community about stroke. Evidence shows that stroke patients receive better treatment, experience fewer complications and have shorter hospital stays at Primary Stroke Center certified facilities. Stroke often occurs without warning and rapid treatment is essential when treating a victim of stroke. Timely care improves the likelihood of patient survival and reduces the chance of serious disability.