UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Receives Primary Stroke Center Certification From DNV

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s announces that it has received certification from DNV as a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems.

“This certification lets our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,” says Wendy Lindley, Chief Nursing Executive at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s. “It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. This includes efficiently transferring patients in the rare instances they require treatment beyond our capabilities. Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program and to ensure the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” affects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.