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MID COAST HOSPITAL ACHIEVES CERTIFICATION FOR ADVANCED STROKE CARE

July 19, 2012

Brunswick, ME – The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, has recognized Mid Coast Hospital with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification demonstrates the hospital’s ability to provide the most appropriate, evidence-based stroke care a community hospital can offer its patients. Mid Coast is one of only four hospitals in Maine that has achieved this status.

Joint Commission surveyors visited Mid Coast Hospital in June to conduct a thorough on-site evaluation that included eight standard performance measures and an in-depth review of staff and program indicators. The non-profit hospital received notification in early July that it is now certified as an advanced primary stroke center.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the number one cause of long term disability in the United States. Survival and successful recovery of stroke is greatly improved if symptoms are recognized quickly and immediate medical attention is given. The sooner a stroke patient receives treatment, the more likely they will avoid long-term damage

“The Joint Commission advanced certification demonstrates Mid Coast Hospital’s commitment to providing our patients with the highest quality stroke care, close to home, says Deb MacLeod, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services. “Mid Coast residents should feel comforted in knowing that we have elevated our standards and increased access to stroke care for the entire community.”

The Mid Coast team includes four on-staff neurologists that treat a full range of neurological conditions. Dr. John Taylor heads the stroke program which is now capable of delivering the most advanced level of care for stroke patients, including new protocols and technologies that accelerate their ability to respond.

Among the hospital’s new services for stroke patients is the “telestroke” system that serves to augment the availability of a staff neurologist, providing immediate off-site evaluation when needed. This program is offered through a joint partnership with Maine Medical Center, another of Maine’s Primary Stroke Centers.

MacLeod also noted, “Mid Coast Hospital remains focused on providing Mid Coast residents with education and resources to help reduce their risk of stroke, supporting our vision to improve the overall health and well-being of our community.”

According to the American Stroke Association, preventable risk factors for stroke include being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, smoking, and having other health conditions like diabetes, carotid artery disease, or high cholesterol. To reduce your risk, stop smoking, improve your diet, increase physically activity and visit your doctor regularly. For resources to help, visit http://www.midcoasthealth.com/healthline.

For more information on The Joint Commission and American Heart Association’s Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Center visit http://www.jointcommission.org/ or www.heart.org/myhospital.

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About Mid Coast Hospital:

Mid Coast Hospital is located at 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick. Mid Coast Hospital is a full service, 92-bed, independent, not-for-profit hospital governed by a community Board of Directors. The active medical staff includes more than 160 physicians in over 32 primary care and specialty areas. Mid Coast Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, and is recognized as a Magnet™ facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for exceptional nursing and patient care.

About The Joint Commission:

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 10,300 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,500 other health care organizations that provide long term care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission currently certifies more than 2,000 disease-specific care programs, focused on the care of patients with chronic illnesses such as stroke, joint replacement, stroke rehabilitation, heart failure and many others. The Joint Commission also provides health care staffing services certification for more than 750 staffing offices. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

About the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association:

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

CONTACT:

Steven Trockman, MPH

Director of Community Relations and Outreach

Mid Coast Health Services

207-373-6051 work

207-650-3875 mobile

207-373-6066 fax

strockman@midcoasthealth.com

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