Based on the current COVID-19 community transmission level, masks are currently OPTIONAL at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers’ facilities.
Based on the current COVID-19 community transmission level, masks are currently OPTIONAL at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers’ facilities.

Primary Stroke Center

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has been awarded Primary Stroke Certification from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

The certification serves as a notice to the public and emergency medical services that Morris Hospital has the capacity to stabilize, diagnosis and treat acute stroke patients, provide acute care, administer medications quickly, and provide rehabilitation therapies safely and efficiently.

In order to achieve Primary Stroke Certification, Morris Hospital has to meet the following standards:

  • The program director must have extensive experience in acute stroke. At Morris Hospital, Dr. Peter Analytis, Neurologist, serves as Stroke Medical Director, along with Dr. Isaac Mezo, Neurologist, contributing to the Stroke Team.
  • The stroke code team’s arrival at the bedside must be within 15 minutes.
  • Lab testing and advanced imaging such as CAT scan capabilities must be available 24/7.
  • The hospital must have access to neurologists 24/7.
  • The hospital must have neurosurgical expertise available or the ability to transfer patients within two hours.
  • The hospital must have a designated stroke unit.
  • The staff must meet certain educational requirements.

HFAP stroke certification differs from other certification programs in that it provides a three-year certification award with a mid-cycle review at 18 months. In addition, hospitals must submit quarterly clinical performance measures to the HFAP office and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Additionally, Morris Hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

 

Know the Stroke Warning Signs

Morris Hospital encourages the community to know the warning signs of Stroke by remembering the acronym FAST:

F stands for Face. Is the person experiencing facial droopiness or numbness or difficulty seeing?

A stands for Arm or leg. Is the person experiencing numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially if it’s on one side of the body or having troubling walking or experiencing loss of balance?

S stands for Speech. Is the person having trouble speaking or understanding?

T stands for Time. Time is of essence. Every second counts. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

Support following a Stroke

Morris Hospital offers a stroke and aphasia support group for individuals and their loved ones who have experienced the loss of physical function or communication due to a stroke or other neurological event. For more information, contact Speech Therapy department at Morris Hospital, at 815-705-7411.