Saint Francis Medical Center's Stroke Center has again been accredited by The Joint Commission, a national honor awarded to top-notch stroke programs. This is the second time Saint Francis' Stroke Center has received The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction in Disease-Specific Care for Primary Stroke Treatment, which it first received in 2005 (accreditation is valid for two years). 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 3 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:

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

For more information on Saint Francis' Neurosciences Institute, call 573-331-5838 or e-mail sfmc@sfmc.net.