Penn State Hershey named a comprehensive stroke center
Penn State Hershey Stroke Center has earned a designation that recognizes the high level of care it offers for patients with the most severe and challenging types of strokes.
The Center has been presented with Disease-Specific Care Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. It represents the highest level of stroke center certification awarded by those organizations.
Currently, fewer than 60 hospitals across the United States are designated as Comprehensive Stroke Centers. Penn State Hershey had been designated as a Primary Stroke Center since 2006, and is now the only stroke center in central Pennsylvania to earn the certification of Comprehensive Stroke Center.
“Achieving this designation amounts to national recognition for the high level of care and full array of services Penn State Hershey has provided to stroke patients for many years,” said Kevin Cockroft, MD, M.Sc., co-director, Penn State Hershey Stroke Center. “With only a few Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Pennsylvania, this designation provides important assurance to our patients and other hospitals in our region.”
The certification process included an onsite review by Joint Commission experts who examined Penn State Hershey's compliance with several standards and requirements. They include advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, and staff with the education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
In addition to caring for stroke patients brought to Hershey, Penn State Hershey neurologists and neurosurgeons also aid in the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at seven other hospitals through LionNet – the first telemedicine system for stroke to be implemented in south-central Pennsylvania.
Penn State Hershey is also involved with innovative clinical research in the areas of stroke prevention and recovery.
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