CHI Memorial Receives 'Comprehensive Stroke Center' Certification

CHI Memorial has received certification from DNV as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events.  "This certification underscores our ability to deliver timely and effective stroke treatment, giving patients the best possible outcome.  We are proud to offer comprehensive stroke care that empowers patients to achieve optimal recovery and regain their independence,” shared Thomas Devlin, MD, PhD, CHI Memorial Neuroscience Institute medical director.

Comprehensive stroke centers can care for all types of strokes, have a dedicated neuroscience intensive care unit, and have access to minimally invasive procedures and neurosurgeons 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our comprehensive stroke center certification is a testament to our team's expertise and commitment to providing the most advanced stroke care available,” said Jennifer Patterson, PhD, ACNP-BC, ANVP-BC, CCRN, FHM, CHI Memorial director of neuroscience operations.  “This certification signifies our commitment to providing rapid and expert care, maximizing patients' chances of a full recovery."

The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that CHI Memorial addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.  “Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to the Chattanooga community that CHI Memorial is performing at the highest level.”

Comprehensive stroke centers can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate care.

In addition to the Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, CHI Memorial’s stroke program has recently received other awards for its high-quality care.  It is the only regional hospital recently rated as ‘high performing’ in stroke by U.S. News and World Report, which also named the hospital a Best Regional Hospital.   The American Heart Association recognized CHI Memorial with its Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GoldPlus quality achievement award for the health system’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.  CHI Memorial also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

In addition, CHI Memorial received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.