Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers has achieved 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 demonstrated that it meets the following standards:
- The program director has extensive experience in acute stroke.
- The stroke code team responds to the patient bedside within 15 minutes.
- Lab testing, advanced imaging, and neurologists are available 24/7.
- Neurosurgical expertise is available or the ability to transfer patients within two hours.
- A designated stroke unit is available.
- Staff demonstrates competency in specific educational requirements.
ACHC 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 ACHC 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 BE FAST:
B stands for Balance Loss. Is the person suddenly leaning to one side or staggering when walking?
E stands for Eye/Vision Trouble. Is there a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes? Double vision that doesn’t go away when you blink your eyes? No side vision or vision about midline?
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 that meets quarterly 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 the Speech Therapy department at Morris Hospital, at 815-705-7411.