Stroke Center

Saint Francis Medical Center's Stroke Center has received The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction in Disease-Specific Care for Primary Stroke Treatment three times, a national honor awarded to top-notch stroke programs. Saint Francis is home to the region's only stroke center to receive this honor. As a result of continued compliance with national standards and extraordinary outcomes, Saint Francis earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ for stroke care.

The Joint Commission's primary stroke center certification program 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. In order to hold its place as a stroke center certified by The Joint Commission, Saint Francis' Stroke Center must:

• Undergo a rigorous evaluation process that includes Medical Center site visits
• Show performance measurement and improvement activities
• Have the support/involvement of:
       – Acute stroke teams
       – Emergency medical services
       – Emergency department
       – Stroke unit
       – Neurological services
       – Medical organizations
       – Neuro-imaging
       – Laboratory services
• Develop written care protocols, education programs and outcomes/quality improvement activities

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms.

Time Lost Is Brain Lost

Stroke patients who are treated within 4.5 hours of the start of stroke symptoms are at least 30 percent more likely to recover with little or no disability. The sooner the team at the Stroke Center can treat a potential stroke patient, the better the chances for recovery. That is why it is important to receive treatment from a nationally recognized stroke center.

Saint Francis' Stroke Center is prepared to handle any stroke-related emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At Saint Francis, the stroke team:

1. Is notified by EMS crews if a potential stroke patient is en route
2. Evaluates patients within 10 minutes of arrival
3. Performs critical imaging scans within 25 minutes of the order, with results analyzed within 20 minutes
4. Identifies treatment options and begins treatment within 1 hour of arrival