Northern Light recognized for excellence in stroke care

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center recently received two awards for excellence in stroke care:

• Primary Stroke Center recertification by The Joint Commission;
• Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Silver Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll by The American Heart Association.

Following a successful survey visit by The Joint Commission, Northern Light Stroke Care earned a two-year recertification as a Primary Stroke Center. During the Joint Commission survey, all areas of the stroke continuum of care were evaluated to ensure the medical center program adheres to established clinical practice guidelines and has the necessary infrastructure, personnel, and protocols to effectively triage, diagnose, and treat patients for acute stroke.
The American Heart Association recognizes organizations with Get With The Guidelines® awards who meet national standards for enhancing patient care with evidence-based guidelines for stroke and diabetes care.

“When a ‘Code Stroke’ is called within our medical center, multi-disciplinary teams respond immediately,” says Ava Collins MHA, FACHE, president, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. “We know providing timely stroke care means that patients experiencing a stroke have more hope for a better future. This recognition reinforces that our teams continue to ensure our community receives the highest quality care for stroke and diabetes.”

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been a Primary Stroke Center designated by The Joint Commission since 2009 and has received Get with the Guidelines recognitions since 2011.

To learn more about stroke signs and symptoms, visit northernlighthealth.org/stroke.