INDIANAPOLIS –
Franciscan St. Francis Health has been awarded Primary Stroke Certification
from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
The certification means
Franciscan St. Francis’ Stroke Alert program has the capability to treat acute stroke
patients, provide comprehensive stroke care, and administer other acute therapies
safely and efficiently.
“We are
proud to achieve HFAP’s prestigious Primary Stroke Certification. Our team has
worked tirelessly to achieve this certification, and it reflects our dedication
to excellent patient care and service,” said David Glander, MD, neurologist and
medical director of the Franciscan St. Francis Health Neurosciences Center. “In awarding us
Primary Stroke Certification, HFAP has acknowledged the exceptional stroke care
we provide to our patients and our commitment to the well-being of our
community and surrounding communities.”
HFAP stroke
certification differs from other certification programs in that it provides a three-year
certification award. In addition, HFAP requirements include 110 clinical
standards and performance measures. The
surveyors from HFAP informed the Stroke Alert Team at Franciscan St. Francis their
survey was among the highest rated.
“Franciscan St. Francis
Health has demonstrated and is clearly committed to providing excellent stroke
care to its patients,” said HFAP CEO Michael Zarski. “Hospitals that have
established centers have demonstrated improved treatment, better patient
outcomes, and reduced costs. Moreover, Primary Stroke centers have the required
infrastructure and protocols in place to stabilize and provide rapid and
evidence-based care.”
To achieve Primary
Stroke Certification, Franciscan St.
Francis needed to
meet the following standards:
·
The program director must have extensive experience in acute
stroke care
·
Stroke Alert team arrival at bedside must be within 15
minutes
·
Lab testing and advanced imaging results must be available
within 45 minutes of patient arrival 24 hours a day
·
Must have access to neurologists 24/7, within 15 minutes of
patient arrival
·
Must have neurosurgical expertise available
·
Must have a designated stroke unit
·
Staff must meet stroke-specific education requirements
·
Stroke Alert team ensures that each patient receives
appropriate and efficient protocol-driven care
For more information,
visit www.ActingFastSavesLives.org.
