St. David's Medical Center First Hospital in Central Texas To Earn Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification from Texas Department of State Health Services

AUSTIN, Texas, July 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In May 2013, St. David's Medical Center was the first hospital in Central Texas to earn Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification—the highest level of recognition—from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS' stroke designation program is designed to improve patient outcomes, as well as reduce the morbidity, mortality and economic burden of stroke in Texas by providing timely medical intervention.

"State stroke designations allow stroke patients to be rapidly transported to and treated at the most appropriate medical facilities," Johanna Morton, M.D., stroke program medical director at St. David's Medical Center, said. "We are honored to receive this designation, and we commend the Texas Department of State Health Services for its initiative in the advancement of stroke care."

Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification signifies that St. David's Medical Center patients will receive the highest level of stroke care available, as well as benefit from the most advanced medical and surgical endovascular therapies and clinical stroke research. This designation is awarded to hospitals with a 24/7 stroke team, as well as personnel with expertise in vascular neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroradiology; endovascular physicians, critical care specialists, advanced practice nurses, social workers and rehabilitation specialists, including physical, occupational, speech and swallowing therapists; advanced diagnostic imaging techniques; educational and research programs; supporting infrastructure including 24/7 operating room support, specialized critical care support, 24/7 interventional neuroradiology/endovascular support; and the capability to perform surgical and interventional therapies, such as stenting and angioplasty of intracranial vessels.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke—which affects the arteries leading to and within the brain—is the fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. The DSHS Stroke Systems of Care initiative was launched in November 2009 to provide rapid access to emergency medical services (EMS) for patients with acute stroke symptoms.

St. David's Medical Center is home to NeuroTexas Institute at St. David's HealthCare, which is dedicated to ensuring the best clinical outcomes for patients with conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves, including stroke. The Institute was founded to promote quality care, provide academic leadership and perform advanced research in the field of neurosciences.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Ochoa or Kristin Marcum
Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations
512.472.9599

SOURCE St. David's Medical Center