CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson has been certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Center by DNV, indicating the hospital’s ability to handle strokes and related medical emergencies. This recognition follows CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga’s status as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest standard of stroke care in the region.
Thomas Devlin, MD, PhD, medical director of the CHI Memorial Neuroscience Institute, stated: “We are thrilled that CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson is now a DNV-certified Acute Stroke Ready Center. This certification reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional stroke care to our community and complements the advanced capabilities of our Comprehensive Stroke Center at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.”
Acute Stroke Ready Centers typically serve communities where larger hospitals may be too distant for patients to reach quickly. Rapid access to stroke care is important because prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce complications from strokes.
Kevin Hopkins, market vice president of cardiovascular service line and interim director of neuroscience service line at CHI Memorial, said: “These certifications let our community know that we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care. It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel, and training to quickly assess, identify, and treat strokes quickly. This includes the ability to efficiently transfer patients in the instances they require the more advanced treatment available at our main hospital campus in Chattanooga. Achieving certification at our Hixson campus validates the tremendous effort we have put into this program, ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
The DNV Acute Stroke Ready Certification is based on standards from organizations such as the Brain Attack Coalition and American Stroke Association. It confirms that CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson can perform initial diagnosis and treatment for stroke cases and arrange quick transfers when higher-level care is needed.
Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc., commented: “Achieving certification shows a commitment to excellence. It helps demonstrate to your community that you are providing the highest level of care that this hospital is designed to offer.”
According to data from national health organizations like the American Stroke Association, strokes remain a leading cause of death in America each year as well as a major cause of long-term disability among adults.
CHI Memorial operates throughout Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with about 4,700 employees and nearly 500 affiliated physicians providing various healthcare services including cancer treatment, cardiac care, neuroscience services such as stroke intervention programs.
DNV is an international provider specializing in certification services across many industries including healthcare accreditation; it works globally with companies on safety standards and risk management initiatives (www.dnvcert.com/healthcare).
