Certified stroke centers provide better results in the treatment of stroke when compared to hospitals that treat stroke patients in medical intensive care units, or through a “mobile in-hospital stroke team.” Studies have shown that patients treated in stroke units are more likely to be alive, independent, and living at home one year after their stroke. Stroke centers provide a group of medical professionals who specialize in stroke, working together to diagnose, treat, and provide early rehabilitation to stroke patients.
Joint Commission Stroke Certification
The Joint Commission is an independent organization that certifies healthcare organizations in an effort to improve health care. By earning their stroke certification, hospitals demonstrate their commitment to upholding certain standards of care for stroke patients, including:
- 24/7 availability of physician specialists in neurology, neurosurgery and endovascular procedures
- 24/7 availability to perform stroke interventions
- Availability of advanced imaging techniques
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/neuroscience ICU facilities and capabilities
- Active participation in patient-centered research
- Coordination of patients’ post-hospital care
Comprehensive Stroke Center
The Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is the highest possible level of stroke center designation.
- SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center
The Joint Commission Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center certification is a level between Primary Stroke Centers and a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
- SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton
Primary Stroke Centers
- SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital - Fond du Lac
- SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City
- SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles
- SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - St. Louis
Get With the Guidelines
All SSM Health hospitals have achieved the American Stroke Association’s “Get With the Guidelines” status and are well equipped to administer tPA to appropriate stroke patients. Get With The Guidelines is an in-hospital program designed to improve acute stroke treatment and prevent future strokes and cardiovascular events. Get With the Guidelines focuses on quick diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients through stroke centers. It also involves care team protocols once patients are admitted to ensure that they are treated and discharged appropriately.
Time is critical when a stroke occurs. Prepare for the unexpected and find an SSM Health emergency room nearest to you, so you know where to go in the event of an emergency.