Dominican Hospital Certified as Primary Stroke Center

SANTA CRUZ — Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Dominican has been designated as a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center for more than 10 years, and is the only hospital in Santa Cruz County to hold that certification.

“This nationally recognized certification demonstrates our stroke team’s continued commitment to excellent stroke care,” said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, Dominican Hospital president. “Stroke is a medical emergency that is potentially devastating for patients and their families. Our expert team is dedicated to reducing the risk and disability of stroke through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.”

Established in 2003, the Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals. Dominican underwent a rigorous onsite survey during which Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, delivery of clinical care, and performance improvement. The survey team acknowledged Dominican Hospital’s comprehensive program, from Emergency Department through inpatient rehabilitation services.

Stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

 

Know The Signs Of Stroke

When a stroke occurs, you should recognize the warning signs and get expert medical help quickly. Fast action is critical to giving you or your loved one have the best chance of survival and rehabilitation. It can make the difference between recovery and having to endure long-term disabilities.

Remember these signs of a stroke: B-E F-A-S-T

• Balance: Is there a sudden change?
• Eyes: Is vision affected? Can you see properly?
• Face: Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm: Does one arm drift downward? Ask the person to raise both arms.
• Speech: Are words slurred? Ask the person to repeat a phrase.
• Time: If they show any symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Help Prevent Stroke

You should understand your risk of stroke and know how to get the help you need to improve controllable lifestyle factors that can prevent stroke.

• Stop smoking
• Control high blood pressure
• Increase daily exercise activity, and
• Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low in refined carbs and sugar

Learn More About Our Stroke Care

To learn more about stroke care at Dominican Hospital, please call 831.462.7243 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. If you reach a recording, leave a message and someone will call back as soon as possible.

You can also leave a message on our dedicated stroke line 831.462.7200. We respond to all messages within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

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Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for 75 years.