St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital Awarded Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification

St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital (SLWH) has achieved national accreditation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

This certification demonstrates that SLWH can provide the highest level of care for the most difficult stroke cases when advanced interventional techniques are necessary for very critical patients. Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In Texas, trauma and EMS teams are required by the Texas Department of State Health Services to transport patients to the nearest certified stroke center to help ensure the best possible treatment based on the severity of the problem. SLWH is the first hospital in Montgomery and North Harris counties to receive a Comprehensive Stroke Center certification.

This national accreditation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center was awarded by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Healthcare, the only hospital accreditation program approved by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that integrates the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation. DNV&'s NIAHO accreditation program requires hospitals to evaluate the continuum of patient care throughout its facilities and take measured steps to improve when it is warranted. DNV is a global independent foundation dedicated to safeguarding life, property and the environment.

“This achievement is attributed to our outstanding hospital and medical staff&'s clinical excellence and consistent coordination of care,” said Debra F. Sukin, President, SLWH and St. Luke's Lakeside Hospital, and Senior Vice President of St. Luke&'s Health. “The leadership of our Neuroscience Director, Dr. Peter Shedden, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine physicians, Dr. Michel Mawad, Dr. Jose Suarez and colleagues, has fostered an environment of high quality, premier stroke care that is unparalleled in our region. Their clinical expertise has allowed us to achieve our goal of being a certified comprehensive stroke care provider.”

In 2011, SLWH earned accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare, ensuring quality and competency in its ability to provide the highest level of immediate stroke emergency care to help save lives. Last December, SLWH received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association&'s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, recognizing the hospital&'s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.

Stroke is the number four cause of death, and the leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures).

The sudden signs of stroke can be spotted by remembering the F.A.S.T. acronym, the four warning signs and symptoms to spot a stroke, and potentially save a life: 

•    Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

•    Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

•    Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

•    Time to Call 911 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital is located at 17200 St. Luke's Way in The Woodlands, at the southwest corner of SH 242 and I-45. For more information, call 936-266-2000 or visit StLukesWoodlands.com.