Two Abrazo hospitals now certified primary stroke centers

11/23/2010 12:00:00 AM

TWO ABRAZO HEALTH CARE HOSPITALS NOW CERTIFIED PRIMARY STROKE CENTERS

PHOENIX (November 23, 2010) — When Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital began their journeys to become Joint Commission certified primary stroke centers in 2009, EMS and community partners predicted the program would be very successful based on the number of stroke patients they see on an annual basis.

The Arizona Department of Health & Human Services (AzDHS) accepted both facilities’ stroke designation applications last spring, enabling the hospital emergency departments to begin receiving and treating stroke patients.

By the end of October 2010, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital have served over 350 patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms within four months.

“Our stroke volume at each hospital has exceeded original needs projections,” says Director of Emergency and Trauma Services, Noreen Vanca, West Valley Hospital.  “In addition, this volume demonstrates confidence from our first responders in Phoenix Baptist and West Valley Hospitals’ abilities to provide best in class emergency care for those experiencing symptoms of an acute stroke.”

“Obtaining primary stroke certification ensures those suffering stroke symptoms in our communities will be able to receive the care they need close to home, avoiding a long transport to another hospital when time is of the essence.  In addition to the benefit to patients in our communities, one of the greatest achievements through the journey to achieve Stroke Certification was seeing the great collaboration and teamwork across many departments.  The staff in ED, Radiology, PCU, ICU and Pharmacy worked so well together because of focusing on a single goal that should be our daily focus: the patient,” said Lamont Yoder, Chief Nursing Officer, Phoenix Baptist Hospital.

The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to achieve better outcomes for stroke care. This advanced certification program meets very specific clinical requirements and expectations.  Along with Chest Pain Center accreditation and Cardiac Arrest Center certification, this is an attestation of our continued commitment to the clinical quality standards our patients and their family members can expect from Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital.

About Abrazo Health Care

As the second largest health care system in Arizona, Abrazo Health Care's mission is to help people achieve health for life. The Abrazo system includes five acute care hospitals: Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West
Valley Hospital; one cardiovascular specialty hospital: Arizona Heart Hospital; one freestanding dedicated cardiovascular outpatient facility: Arizona Heart Institute, and has 1,043 licensed beds. In addition the system consists of two health plans: Phoenix Health Plan, and Abrazo Advantage, serving nine counties in the state; Abrazo Advanced Imaging Centers with four locations; School-Based Health Centers; and Abrazo Medical Group with 84 employed primary care and specialty physicians in 20 Valley locations. Visit www.abrazohealth.com for more information.

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