Peterson Health has earned Primary Stroke Center certification from DNV, recognizing the Kerrville- based health system's ability to provide comprehensive stroke care from diagnosis through treatment, rehabilitation and patient education.
Officials say the certification affirms the hospital's readiness to evaluate and treat a full range of stroke-related medical conditions while also coordinating transfers for patients who require specialized care beyond the facility's capabilities.
'This certification lets our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,' Darin Smith, Peterson Health's director of clinical programs, said in a news release. 'It's a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. This includes the ability to efficiently transfer patients in the rare instances they require treatment beyond our capabilities. Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program and to ensuring the health and safety of our patients.'
The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards established by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association.
According to Peterson Health, the certification evaluates the full spectrum of stroke care and establishes performance measures to monitor patient outcomes.
'Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,' Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc., said in the release. 'And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.'
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States.
Because a stroke interrupts blood flow to the brain, rapid diagnosis and treatment can improve survival and reduce long-term complications.
Peterson Health is an independent nonprofit health system headquartered in Kerrville. Founded in 1949, it serves patients across nine counties in the Texas Hill Country through 19 locations.
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