MultiCare Tacoma General certified as Comprehensive Stroke Center
By MultiCare Health System
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital is now internationally certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, an independent recognition of the highest level of competence in treating stroke, the 5th largest cause of death and number one cause of serious long-term disability in the United States.
This designation also sets Tacoma General apart as the only hospital in the South Sound to receive certification from DNV GL – Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
According to the American Stroke Association, time is of critical importance in treating stroke events, as more immediate treatment reduces the amount of damage done to the brain during stroke and can potentially prevent death. Prior to this certification, Emergency Medical Services routed the most serious stroke cases across Southern Washington to Seattle facilities, even though Tacoma General has always provided a comparable level of care. With this certification, treatment can come faster as transport times are reduced for many patients from as far south as the Oregon border to Grays Harbor.
“We provide the highest level of care, including specially trained rapid response teams that are available 24/7. This certification amplifies our promise of bringing the best care to our patients, and also opens up opportunities for us to tap into partnerships and research opportunities to keep us on the leading edge of stroke knowledge and education,” says Brian Kott, MD, medical director of the MultiCare Executive Stroke Network.
Maintaining the certification requires an annual review of performance standards and quality, which means that our patients can always be assured that we are maintaining the highest standards and staying up to date in our processes and provider education, Kott adds.
DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company that provides certifications across a wide range of industries. 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.
“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Patrick Horine, CEO of DNV GL – Healthcare. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines which facility a patient is transported by first responders for the most appropriate, reimbursable care.
MultiCare is committed to high-quality stroke care across the system – in addition to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Tacoma General, both MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and MultiCare Auburn Medical Center are both certified as Primary Stroke Centers by DNV GL.
