USA Health University Hospital named Comprehensive Stroke Center

By Lindsay Mott
lmott@health.southalabama.edu

USA Health University Hospital has earned a Comprehensive Stroke Center designation from DNV GL Healthcare, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events. University Hospital is the only certified comprehensive stroke center in southwest Alabama and one of only three in the state.

“This designation is evidence that we consistently provide high-quality care to stroke patients,” said Dean Naritoku, M.D., professor and chair of neurology with USA Health. “Because of this, we are able to give our patients the best chance for optimal outcomes.”

“Because of the round the clock neurological expertise and the neurointerventional and neurocritical care provided here, University Hospital handles the most complex stroke cases,” said Steve Cordina, M.D., interventional neurologist and stroke program medical director with USA Health and associate professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “We are at the forefront of current stroke therapy.”

“We identify stroke patients quickly and begin appropriate treatment immediately because for patients, time is brain. Strokes don’t have a particular time when they happen. The best treatment results are found at centers such as ours where the care team is ready to provide definitive care at any time of the day,” said Rebecca Sugg, M.D., interventional neurologist and associate professor of neurology with USA Health.

The DNV GL Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. The certification is for three years, but processes, documentation, and outcomes will be reviewed annually to ensure that USA continues to meet and exceed certification standards and nationally-identified guidelines.

“We have the best trained nurses and physicians to take care of stroke patients, and we are committed to providing the community and the region with the best care for strokes with the best possible outcomes,” said Shelia Ross, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, CNL, CCRN, stroke certification coordinator at University Hospital.

DNV GL Healthcare is a national stroke certification organization that recognizes excellence in stroke care.