Sacred Heart's Stroke Program Recertified

Spokane WA - In recognition of its superior stroke care program, Sacred Heart Medical Center recently received recertification of its Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Center first achieved the Gold Seal of Approval^TM and the disease-specific care certification in 2004; Sacred Heart was among just six hospitals in the nation-and the only one in the Northwest-to receive that certification and is now the first to receive the recertification.

Collaboration between key areas of the Medical Center has certainly played a major role in the stroke team's success. For nearly 10 years, experts in radiology, emergency, pharmacy and the neuroscience unit have worked together to provide the most advanced care for stroke patients. Due to the streamlined system and the fact that Sacred Heart has offered the latest in investigational procedures, even other major medical centers have transferred their stroke patients to Sacred Heart.

“The JCAHO was especially impressed with the comprehensiveness of Sacred Heart’s stroke program as well as our the outcomes the program continues to demonstrate in the management of stroke patients," said Sena Blickenstaff, Director of Neuroscience Services at Sacred Heart Medical Center. “When it comes to treating stroke patients, time is critical. We have a multi-disciplinary team that quickly comes together to assess and treat patients.  We also collaborate with healthcare providers throughout the region to ensure that individuals suffering a stroke receive the right treatment at the right time.  We truly recognize that for an individual suffering a stroke - ‘Time if Brain’.

Sacred Heart has also been a site for research studies offering advanced treatment of stroke. These include use of the drug tPA to dissolve clots as well as various kinds of stents that open blood vessels to the brain and carotid arteries.  We also offer several interventional therapies, including Merci clot retrieval, as the next level of care where indicated for patients experiencing a stroke.

“We are extremely proud to offer a service that offers hope to victims of stroke," says Blickenstaff. “And we are equally proud to receive recognition for our staff’s commitment to advanced medicine."