LAKEWOOD, Calif., Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Lakewood Regional Medical Center recently received the Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for its primary stroke center. The certification recognizes centers making exceptional efforts to foster better patient outcomes for stroke care. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., often causing serious long-term disability.

In addition to the Stroke Center accreditation, Lakewood Regional Medical Center has received the 2011 American Heart Association and American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award. This award recognizes Lakewood Regional Medical Center's commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, following evidence-based guidelines.

"Lakewood Regional Medical Center's primary stroke center provides a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to stroke care within a hospital offering a full range of diagnostic, medical, surgical and rehabilitative care services for patients," said Jodi Hein, chief nursing officer, Lakewood Regional Medical Center.

"Stroke care is complicated, requiring a team approach. Our multi-disciplinary team of critical care and floor nurses, emergency department (ED) nurses and physicians, radiologists, stroke care coordinator, social worker and representatives from pharmacy, physical therapy and occupational therapy meet weekly to review the case of every stroke patient who gets admitted to Lakewood Regional Medical Center," said Hein. Lakewood Regional Medical center uses its Code Stroke Team to provide in-house first-line defense to patients who exhibit stroke symptoms.  In addition, our neurology call panel led by David D. Neer, M.D., Medical Director of the Stroke Center, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Time is a critical factor in the treatment of ischemic stroke, from the first onset of symptoms to administering treatment with tissue plasminogen activator, a clot-busting drug commonly referred to as tPA.  The stroke center team constantly monitors their performance on 10 separate areas of acute stroke care from "door to needle" - the time a patient enters the ED to when they are administered the tPA.

"We are very appreciative of our physicians, nurses and staff who have made these achievements possible and we will continue to strive to provide the highest level of quality and service to the community," said Joseph Badalian, president and chief executive officer, Lakewood Regional Medical Center.

In addition, community education is crucial to helping people understand how to get the most effective emergency care when they are suffering initial symptoms, according to Neil Y. Cunanan, RN, MSN, Lakewood Regional Medical Center's stroke care coordinator.  

The following free seminars are offered by Lakewood Regional Medical Center to the public on stoke education and prevention.

Stroke Awareness and High Blood Pressure.
Wednesday, November 9th, 12:30 p m
Lakewood YMCA. 5835 East Carson St. Lakewood.

Stroke...Your Diet & Exercise...Healthy Eating During the Holidays  
Wednesday, December 7th, 12:30 p.m.
Lakewood YMCA, 5835 East Carson St. Lakewood

To register, call 800.813.4345 or visit www.Lakewoodregional.com

CONTACT: Patrick Houston, 562-602-6742, patrick.houston@tenethealth.com

SOURCE Lakewood Regional Medical Center