the WARNING SIGNS of STROKE:   act F.A.S.T. 

 Stroke Center stays in the news

Hamilton Medical's stroke program, Code Stroke, was initated in 2003 to provide expedient, quality care to all stroke patients in order to protect as much brain tissue as possible. A key role that Hamilton plays through the Code Stroke program is educating the public on the warning signs of stroke.

Hamilton Medical Center's primary stroke center program has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for health care quality. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations awarded Hamilton Medical Center Disease-Specific Care Certification for its primary stroke center.

To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive onsite evaluation review by a team of Joint Commission reviewers once every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization and interviews with patients and staff.

"This certification means Hamilton Medical Center does the right things and does them well for stroke patients," say Charles A. Mowll, executive vice president Business Development, Government and External Relations, Joint Comission.