For the second time, Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Flagstaff Medical Center has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare U.S.A., Inc., an international certification body providing quality-driven accreditation and clinical excellence certifications to America’s hospitals.
As a certified Primary Stroke Center, FMC is proven to have the necessary staffing, infrastructure, and programs to stabilize and treat most emergent stroke patients; as well as provide treatment for a broader range of stroke conditions. In addition, FMC offers some acute stroke therapies, and can admit patients to a designated stroke unit or to beds specifically assigned for stroke care.
FMC first received this certification in 2013, and each certification is valid for a three year period.
Research indicates patients who receive care at a Primary Stroke Center, such as FMC, have a higher incidence of survival and recovery than those treated in hospitals without this type of specialized care. FMC’s Stroke Team provides full-time neurology coverage, either in-house or via Telestroke neurology consults with the Mayo Clinic. When a stroke patient arrives at FMC’s Emergency Department, Telestroke allows a remote assessment by a stroke specialist via special audiovisual equipment that enables the specialist to observe diagnostic head imaging, cardiac monitors and the patient’s performance during a structured neurological examination.
A big part of being a regional healthcare provider is ensuring our communities have access to critical care in time sensitive situations, such as during a stroke.
Florence Spyrow, FMC chief administrative officer and NAH executive vice president