The message below first appeared as a press release, sent on November 30, 2023.
SUGAR LAND – (November 30, 2023) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), making it the only hospital in Fort Bend County with the designation. CSC is the highest level of certification for hospitals with specific abilities to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes.
“We are thrilled to achieve the status of a Comprehensive Stroke Center – a prestigious recognition that shows our commitment to delivering unparalleled stroke care to our community,” Wamda Ahmed, M.D., CSC director said. “Our hospital has always demonstrated its ability to provide excellent stroke care with numerous awards. However, before the CSC certification, we transferred critical patients with acute large cerebral vessel occlusion or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to the Texas Medical Center for time sensitive procedures. Now, as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, we offer emergent mechanical thrombectomy and the entire spectrum of neuroendovascular care, right here in Fort Bend County.”
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms the hospital 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,” Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. said. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
“Achieving the designation of a CSC is a significant milestone not only for our team, but our community,” Ahmed said. “It confirms our ability to provide cutting-edge interventions and comprehensive care that significantly improves outcomes for stroke patients. This designation also highlights our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.”
In Texas, stroke rules were legislated in 2005 to develop a state emergency stroke treatment system. This allows responders to identify and transport a patient with acute stroke signs and symptoms to an appropriate designated facility. The four levels of stroke designation are:
- Level I – Comprehensive
- Level II – Advanced
- Level III – Primary
- Level IV – Acute Stroke Ready
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is now a Level I designated facility. “Minutes count in health care emergencies, especially when it comes to strokes,” Ahmed said. “Now we can reassure our community that we can handle their care right here in Fort Bend County.”
To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the services offered in Fort Bend County, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland.
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