Designation is the first and only in Rockford region
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center further establishes its position as the number one hospital for stroke care in Rockford with the designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. It is the first and only hospital with this distinction in the Rockford region.
The certification is the result of a recent extensive survey by DNV GL, a leading, independent assessment and management certification company. The two-day survey reviewed all aspects of OSF Saint Anthony’s stroke program, surgical procedures and related treatments.
“This is important to the region and the people of Rockford,” says Dr. Harneet Bath, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. “We provide the latest and best technological advances in health care. So, if you have a loved one or family member suffering a stroke, you want them to be brought to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center.”
Comprehensive Stroke Center means OSF Saint Anthony cares for all types of stroke patients – blood vessel blockage, including bleeding strokes, such as those caused by brain aneurysms.
It also means patients have 24/7 access to minimally invasive catheter procedures to treat strokes. A year ago OSF Saint Anthony invested $4 million in a state-of-the-art neuro intervention suite, team and stroke treatment protocols. “It’s a dedicated neuro critical care unit where everyone is trained to deal with neurological disorders,” says Dr. Ayman Gheith, a neuro intervention surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony.
The surgical suite provides surgeons a 3-D image of the brain so they can accurately see the blood clot(s) causing the stroke. They then enter the brain with a catheter and remove the clot(s). If performed soon after the symptoms occur, the procedure can often prevent the more serious effects of stroke and greatly improve recovery.
Additionally, the Comprehensive Stroke Center designation indicates OSF Saint Anthony has a dedicated neuroscience intensive care unit for stroke patients, has on-site neurosurgical availability 24/7 with the ability to perform complex neurovascular procedures and receives patients from primary stroke centers.
“OSF HealthCare is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care from the most experienced and qualified medical professionals and staff in the region,” says OSF Saint Anthony President Paula Carynski. “This designation shows our commitment to that Mission for those we serve.”
