Crozer-Chester Medical Center has joined a select group of hospitals that have been recognized by the Joint Commission for delivering expert stroke care. As a certified Primary Stroke Center, Crozer understands the urgency with Stroke patients to act quickly, provide a prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to save lives and reduce permanent disability. Becoming stroke certified means that Crozer has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, demonstrating an adherence to national standards and guidelines. Crozer joins Delaware County Memorial Hospital as a certified primary stroke center.

Bradley Grayum, M.D., chief of the Section of Neurology at Crozer, says, “We are all very pleased that the Joint Commission has recognized our stroke program by designating Crozer as a Primary Stroke Center. Excellent stroke care has been ongoing for some time at Crozer, but extra effort has been put forth to bring all aspects of our care into compliance with the new American Heart Association and Joint Commission guidelines.”

Certification is based on guidelines developed by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. They require applicants to have a stroke team and neurosurgical services available around the clock, written diagnosis and care protocols, close coordination between the emergency department and emergency transport, and encourage the ability to have a dedicated stroke unit, in addition to specific clinical expectations.

Earning certification requires optimal performance from everyone involved in transporting, evaluating and treating a stroke patient. Four months of treatment data was submitted during the application process.

“A stroke program takes a lot of work and dedication from everyone,” says Suzanne Jenkins, stroke coordinator for Crozer. “We are extremely grateful to the departments who participated in the preparation for stroke certification.”

Primary stroke centers are required to diagnose a possible stroke patient quickly. CT sans and lab works are completed and evaluated within 45 minutes of patients’ arrival in the emergency department. From transport to diagnosis to treatment, this deadline demands peak performance from every group involved. 

It only takes minutes for a stroke to damage brain cells. Within a few hours, the cells can die and this can result in the potential loss of memory, speech, motor control and other debilitating injuries. Some of the warning signs for a stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness 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 and unusual headache.

Strokes strike suddenly. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately because the faster the response, the sooner you will receive medical attention. For more information or to find a physician, call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258).