CentraCare Achieves Top Designations for Excellence in Stroke Patient Care

CentraCare Neurosciences Stroke Center has received two recognitions for achieving the highest level of care for stroke patients in Central Minnesota.

The program, which is one of the largest stroke programs in Minnesota, has received its annual certification from DNV as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events.

"With stroke care, you must have the best providers and resources, and the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events," said Joy Plamann, CentraCare Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and President of St. Cloud Hospital. "This certification from DNV validates all the effort we have put into this program to ensure the health and safety of our patients."

The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. It affirms that the health system addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

"Recertifying as a comprehensive stroke center ensures we can continue serving Central Minnesota with the best stroke care possible, every step of the way," said Dr. M. Fareed Suri, Stroke Program Medical Director.

CentraCare has also received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Advanced Therapy. This quality achievement award recognizes the commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

"Achieving the highest level of recognition for stroke care from the American Heart Association, along with offering the services as a comprehensive stroke program, demonstrates the high quality of care available locally. We are so pleased to provide this for our CentraCare community," said CentraCare Stroke Program Manager Chandra Brower.

CentraCare is one of three hospitals in the state of Minnesota achieving this level of Get With The Guidelines stroke care, which is the highest award level offered by the American Heart Association. CentraCare has received this recognition for the past 10 years.

What these two distinctions mean is that patients at CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital receive the maximum level of stroke care possible. Stroke patients may be eligible for surgical treatment of stroke that can be performed at St. Cloud Hospital, meaning patients do not need to transfer to another facility.

In addition, CentraCare provides telestroke services to 20 sites throughout Central Minnesota to collaborate with stroke physicians and providers in St. Cloud, allowing patients to receive evaluation in their local facilities. In some cases, it may be appropriate to transfer patients to St. Cloud Hospital but patients may be able to stay locally once evaluated by a CentraCare provider.