After undergoing a rigorous on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, McLaren-Flint was recently awarded The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval^TM for certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

"In stroke care, time is brain," says Jean E. Range, executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. "By achieving certification as a Primary Stroke Center, McLaren has proven that it has the ability to provide effective, timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients."

Each year about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

"A lot of work went into achieving this designation as a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and I am ecstatic about this certification," noted Sunita Tummala, M.D., Medical Director, McLaren Stroke Program. "Becoming a Primary Stroke Center assures that McLaren-Flint is providing the appropriate care and access for patients suspected of suffering acute strokes. We are able to provide immediate assessment, evaluation and unprecedented access to early intervention as well as comprehensive care for more complex cases."

Dr. Tummala noted that interventions may be with iv thrombolytic therapy such as ivTPA or with intra-arterial or endovascular management. Patients are subsequently managed on a designated stroke floor where appropriate institutional protocols have been established for the most efficient patient care.

"Studies clearly show that patients treated at certified stroke centers have better outcomes," Dr. Tummala emphasized. "They live longer and with less disabilities. It's as simple as that."

"We are proud to achieve this distinction from The Joint Commission and to be recognized for our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and the community," noted Don C. Kooy, President/CEO of McLaren. "Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to continually evaluate and enhance the care we provide and also to maintain our culture of excellence."

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 and guidelines for stroke care.  

Stroke Facts

According to a 2010 report from the American Heart Association, on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, making it the third leading cause of death. That means each year about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. About 77% of that total are people experiencing a first attack. Of all strokes, 87 percent are ischemic (click here to learn more about the different kinds of strokes).

McLaren-Flint is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to its stroke patients. Our Emergency Department staff is specially trained to care for stroke patients. The hospital also has a dedicated floor for anyone at risk for or who has had a stroke. Knowing the signs of stroke and seeking help immediately can make all the difference in your survival and recovery.

It is important to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek help immediately

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Take action in an emergency.

• Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
• Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
• If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical service (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.
• If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest - denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.

McLaren Stroke Program-Flint, Michigan
McLaren-Flint
401 S. Ballenger Hwy., Flint, MI 48532

Stroke Program Coordinator
(810) 342-2964