“Gold Seal of Approval" awarded for outstanding program
Woodland, CA, June 18, 2008 –Woodland Healthcare has been recertified with the Gold Seal of Approval™ for stroke care from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Joint Commission awarded the hospital its Primary Stroke Center re-certification on June 9.
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability. Each year, 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies from a stroke every 3.1 minutes. But 80 percent of all strokes are preventable.
“Our goal at Woodland Healthcare is to educate the community about ways to prevent a stroke from happening,” said Woodland Healthcare Medical Director, Philip Laughlin, MD. “Woodland Healthcare’s recertification for our outstanding stroke treatment program means patients who do have strokes will receive the best care possible in their time of need.”
Woodland Healthcare’s stroke program is unique in Yolo County in that it offers patients an extensive continuum of care, from exceptional Emergency Department care to rehabilitation after discharge from the hospital. Woodland Healthcare is at the cutting edge of stroke diagnosis and treatment. Recently installed and state-of-the-art imaging equipment, including a Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Angiography System, ensure that Woodland physicians have the tools to accurately diagnose patients’ conditions. When indicated, Woodland Healthcare’s Stroke Team stands prepared to administer “clotbuster” thrombolytic medications.
“Woodland Healthcare has made a commitment to the community to increase stroke awareness and prevention” said Woodland Healthcare President Kevin Vaziri. “The Joint Commission’s recertification of our Primary Stroke Center is a reflection of the dedicated and exceptional care given by our physicians, nurses and staff.”
Nearly 5 million people in the United States today have survived a stroke, affecting 4 out of 5 American families. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is largely preventable and requires emergency treatment. Contrary to popular believe, stroke can happen to anyone, not just the elderly. A stroke is a “Brain Attack,” when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Once a stroke occurs, recovery continues throughout life.
The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. A list of Joint Commission-certified programs is available at www.jcaho.org.
