Why Being Stroke Certified Matters
If you’re experiencing stroke symptoms, time matters – and where you go matters, too. Every MetroHealth Emergency Department is stroke certified.
If you’re experiencing stroke symptoms, time matters. And, where you go matters, too. Research shows that patients receive better quality of care and have a chance of improved outcomes when treated at a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
What is a Comprehensive Stroke Center?
The designation means that the facilities have met rigid criteria designed by the American Stroke Association and American Heart Association. Certified by The Joint Commission, our Comprehensive Stroke Center offers complete stroke services—from the latest 24/7 emergency treatments to comprehensive stroke rehabilitation.
Our emergency departments are recognized for the level of initial care they provide stroke victims. Our advanced teams can rapidly recognize the signs of stroke, diagnose a stroke and begin treatment. We provide the highest level of acute stroke care to our patients in the emergency department and inpatient setting.
As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, MetroHealth:
- Receives and treat patients with the most complex strokes.
- Offers advanced imaging capabilities and specialized treatments.
- Employs staff with unique education and competencies to provide the most advanced level of stroke care achievable.
“We have put a lot of time and training in so that we better serve the communities where we are located,” said Jon Schrock, MD, FACEP, an emergency medicine physician. “This is care you cannot get at an urgent care or another free-standing emergency department.”
Watch this stroke awareness video and follow these easy steps – you could help save a life!
Remember, BE FAST if you suspect a stroke.
This certification reflects MetroHealth’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients. When it comes to strokes, time is critical. The longer a stroke is in progress, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage or death. This is why Comprehensive Stroke Centers are designed around very rapid diagnosis and treatment.
If you or a loved one experience stroke symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department immediately. If there’s a blood clot in the brain, the longer the blood flow and oxygenation to the brain are affected, the sooner that tissue can die. When stroke physicians say, “time is brain,” their goal is to get blood flow to the brain restored as quickly as possible.
All MetroHealth Emergency Departments are Stroke Certified
MetroHealth has a long history of providing the best stroke care possible. In fact, it is the only system in the area to have all its Emergency Departments stroke-certified.
- Brecksville**
- MetroHealth Main Campus (Comprehensive Stroke Center)*
- Cleveland Heights**
- Parma**
*Certified by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest certification possible, and handles the most complex cases.
**Certified as Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program/Accreditation Commission for Healthcare.
Call 911 Instead of Driving Yourself to the Hospital
Calling 911 does more than get you to the hospital. Paramedics can start checking symptoms right away. They can also alert the hospital, so the stroke team is ready when you arrive.
To learn more, visit metrohealth.org/emergency-room.
Your Questions Answered
Q. What does it mean when a hospital is stroke certified?
A. Stroke certification means a hospital meets high standards for stroke care. Certified hospitals have trained specialists, proven treatment processes, and the resources needed to treat strokes quickly.
Q. Why is fast stroke treatment so important?
A. During a stroke, brain cells can be damaged within minutes. Getting care quickly can improve recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
Q. How can I recognize the signs of a stroke?
A. Remember BE FAST: Balance problems, Eyes with sudden vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911 right away. Early treatment can save lives.
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