DENTON, Texas — Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton has once again earned Primary Stroke Center certification* from Joint Commission, offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association.

Having first earned the two-year national certification in 2011, Texas Health Denton continues to achieve recognition for its consistent, high-quality neurological care provided to stroke patients living in North Texas and beyond.

“We’re honored that patients and their families continue to choose us to care for them in their most critical times of need,” said Jeff Reecer, FACHE, Texas Health Denton president. “Improving their quality of life and empowering them with resources that promote healthy habits is our ultimate goal.”

Physician specialists at Texas Health Denton use the latest technology to better diagnose and treat strokes, engaging a robust stroke response team to care for patients. The team includes an Emergency Department (ED) physician and neurologist, both on the medical staff of the hospital, ED nurses, EMTs, a CT technologist, a phlebotomist, lab technicians and a pharmacist.

Stroke by the numbers

Across the U.S., stroke ranks as the No. 4 cause of death, and it holds the same ranking in Texas. Unfortunately, some of the highest rates of stroke are in Dallas and Tarrant counties, which is why Texas Health is committed to supporting the highest level of stroke care across North Texas. Three Texas Health facilities are certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and seven more are Primary Stroke Centers, including Texas Health Denton.

“We consistently provide high-quality treatment, education and rehab,” said Janet Adams, M.S.N., R.N., SCRN, Texas Health Denton’s Stroke Program coordinator. “We meet patients where they are, with the care they deserve, no matter the stroke symptom.”

Resources for stroke patients

Having served as the hospital’s stroke coordinator for more than five years, Adams provides patients with personalized information and resources that promote successful recovery and help prevent future strokes.

“The collaborative work and dedication that goes into earning certification from Joint Commission — and doing it consistently — is a strong testament to our culture of excellence,” Adams said. “We are fully invested in serving our community every single day.”

The certification encompasses the full spectrum of stroke care: diagnosis, education, rehabilitation and treatment. To be eligible, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center, including access to advanced imaging capabilities, an inpatient stroke unit and staff with the specialized education and competencies to care for acute stroke patients.

*Joint Commission partnered with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to develop comprehensive, evidence-based stroke certifications that provide the highest national standards for safe, high-quality stroke care.