What is Stroke Ready Certification?

Here’s great health news for central Indiana residents: Johnson Memorial Health was awarded Stroke Ready Certification from the Healthcare Facility Accreditation Program (HFAP). This accreditation shows JMH is committed to providing world-class stroke care.

Let’s take a closer look at what this stroke certification means, and how it supports Hoosier health.

A High Standard

Stroke Ready Certification shows JMH offers full stroke care and support. HFAP awards the certification in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Its decisions are based on high standards for public and patient safety, using a thorough on-site review.

Joey Hollis, emergency department manager and stroke coordinator, points out that the designation makes JMH one of a kind.

“Johnson Memorial Health is the first Stroke Ready Certified Center accredited by HFAP,” Hollis explained. “This represents the hard work that staff has done to meet and exceed the patient safety and quality improvement standards to provide excellent care to our stroke patients.”

Top-Notch Staff Training

Staff training is a key part of stroke certification. The JMH team participated in special stroke-specific training to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke onset. Key symptoms include weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty speaking, and facial droop.

When stroke signs are present, staff can immediately administer tPA, a clot-busting drug. This life-saving treatment can only be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms, so it’s crucial that hospital staff can instantly recognize stroke signals.

Community Outreach

In addition to staff training, JMH is reaching out to the community to communicate the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms. Anyone can keep the acronym FAST in mind: face, arms, speech, time.

Facial symptoms include drooping facial muscles, trouble focusing, and trouble seeing.

Arms may become uncoordinated, especially on one side, with loss of balance.

Speech could be slurred, confused, or difficult to understand.

Time is critical. Seek emergency care immediately.

When a member of the public sees the signs of stroke, they should call 9-1-1. Never take a “wait and watch” approach to stroke, because acting fast is critically important.

Emergency Help and Rehabilitation

When a stroke happens, JMH can care for patients in the emergency department. Stroke experts are on staff for immediate assessments and treatment.

A stroke can bring life-altering side effects. These include:

Spinal cord injury
Amputation
Major multiple trauma
Femur/hip fracture
Neurological disorders
Brain injury
Functional deficits

Stroke Aftercare

After a stroke, home health therapy and outpatient therapy support recuperation. JMH works with patients and their families to determine the best kind of support to set stage for a positive long-term health outlook.