BEDFORD, Texas — Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford 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 2009, Texas Health HEB continues to be recognized for the consistent, high-quality neurological care it provides to stroke patients in Northeast Tarrant County and beyond.

“Caring for patients in their most critical times of need requires hard work from a dedicated care team,” said Brandon Goertz, Ph.D., FACHE, Texas Health HEB president. “Helping patients recover and empowering them with resources that promote healthy habits is our ultimate goal.”

Physicians on the Texas Health HEB medical staff use the latest technology to diagnose and treat strokes and collaborate with a comprehensive 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 pharmacist, a phlebotomist and lab technicians.

Stroke by the numbers

Across the U.S. and in Texas, stroke ranks as the No. 4 cause of death. That’s 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 HEB.

“We provide stroke patients with high-quality care as soon as they enter our doors, along with offering ongoing support and rehabilitation after they leave the hospital,” said Stacye Greer, B.S.N., SCRN, RN-BC, Quality Improvement coordinator.

Resources for stroke patients

Greer, who has been a nurse for more than 15 years, played an integral role in Texas Health HEB’s successful certification process, having previously served as Stroke Program coordinator. “Her compassionate leadership and willingness to address challenges results in better outcomes for our patients,” said Marci Lambert, M.S.N., R.N., the current Stroke Program coordinator.

The program coordinator develops patient-focused resources that promote successful recoveries and help prevent strokes, and prepares employees and medical staff physicians for major certifications.

“The dedication that goes into earning certification from Joint Commission eight consecutive times is a strong testament to our culture of excellence,” Greer said. “We want to meet the specialized needs of stroke patients and their loves ones, so they can maximize upon a lifetime of health and well-being.”

The certification encompasses the full spectrum of stroke care: diagnosis, education, rehabilitation and treatment. 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.