Morris Hospital recertified as primary stroke center

Practicing recognized standards for stabilizing, diagnosing, and treating acute stroke patients

Morris Hospital

MORRIS – Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers’ primary stroke certification was renewed by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. The recertification is an indication that Morris Hospital is practicing recognized standards for stabilizing, diagnosing and treating acute stroke patients.

In order to achieve primary stroke certification, Morris Hospital demonstrated that it meets the following standards:

• The stroke program director has extensive experience in acute stroke.

• The stroke code team responds to the patient bedside within 15 minutes.

• Lab testing, advanced imaging capabilities and neurologists are available 24/7.

• Neurosurgical expertise is available or the ability to transfer within two hours.

• A designated stroke unit is available.

• Staff demonstrates competency in education requirements.

“Morris Hospital clearly demonstrates a commitment to quality and patient safety,” HFAP Vice President Meg Gravesmill said. “We base our certification decision on the findings of an extensive and thorough on-site review of the stroke program against standards for organizational operations and clinical services that drive patient safety and continuous quality improvement. Morris Hospital has earned the distinction of HFAP certification through its performance in successfully meeting those standards.”

Time is essential when someone is having a stroke, said Cara Marco, Morris Hospital quality manager and registered nurse.

“Morris Hospital first achieved primary stroke certification in 2014 through our commitment to ensuring we have all of the necessary protocol in place so that we can quickly identify and administer treatment for stroke patients,” Marco said. “Earning recertification is a significant achievement that recognizes our continued commitment to providing outstanding stroke care to our patients and our community.”

The certification is awarded for three years, with a midcycle review required by HFAP in 18 months. Morris Hospital is also designated as a primary stroke center by the Illinois Department of Public Health.