Hillcrest Hospital Stroke Center
Do you want to learn more about strokes? Click here to learn the stroke warning signs.
Primary Stroke Center
Hillcrest Hospital is designated by The Joint Commission (JC) as a Primary Stroke Center. Obtaining the Gold Seal of Approval™ signifies that Hillcrest Hospital's stroke program met stringent criteria required by JC and that the hospital underwent a comprehensive on-site evaluation. JC reviewed the stroke procedures used by the hospital, which include the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association Guidelines.
The Value of the Gold Seal
Because The Joint Commission standards are regarded as the most rigorous in the industry, healthcare organizations that choose to be evaluated by The Joint Commission are therefore committed to providing the highest level of quality care to their patients. The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ is a clear sign that the accredited organization has demonstrated compliance to the most stringent standards of performance.
To maintain and earn accreditation, a healthcare organization undergoes an extensive unannounced on-site review by a select team of Joint Commission professionals such as administrators, physicians, and nurses at least once every three years. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the organization's performance in areas that affect patient/resident care.
Through an assessment of an organization's processes and personal visits with its patients/residents and staff, the organization is evaluated. Accreditation may then be awarded based on how well the organization met The Joint Commission standards.
Stroke – What you need to know!
Download our handout to learn more about risk factors, warning signs and treatment of stroke.
Warning signs of stroke include:
· sudden weakness or numbness on the face on one side
· sudden unexplained dizziness or lack of balance
· sudden vision impairment, especially in one eye
· sudden severe headache with no known cause
· sudden slurred speech
The National Stoke Association uses the following information to get people to act faster in recognizing symptoms and getting help. It is recommended to think “F.A.S.T.”:
F – FACE: Ask person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – ARM: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – SPEECH: Ask the person to speak a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T – TIME: If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call 9-1-1.
The first three hours after a stroke are the most important, because stroke treatments are proving to be extremely beneficial when administered as soon as possible after the onset of a stroke. It is crucial that a stroke victim be taken immediately to a Primary Stroke Center such as Hillcrest Hospital.
This certification as a Primary Stroke Center signifies that Hilllcrest Hospital met stringent criteria after undergoing a comprehensive on-site evaluation by The Joint Commission.
With the support of Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Hilllcrest Hospital, state-of-the-art technology and renowned specialists in the treatment of stroke, Hillcrest Hospital is a leader in superior stroke and neurological care on the east side.