Certification acknowledges hospital’s regional role in helping patients get their lives back
BERLIN, VT (10/23/2024) – In stroke care, every second counts. Time to treatment can be the difference between a full recovery, life-altering disabilities and even death.
University of Vermont Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) is now recognized as one of the top community hospitals in the country in providing the speedy, high-quality care stroke patients need for their best chance at recovery. Through a collaboration between The Joint Commission, American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, CVMC has been designated as a Primary Stroke Center (PSC).
“This is nothing short of a major triumph for our patients,” says Christopher Commichau, MD, FAAN, director of Cerebrovascular Diseases & Neurocritical Care for the health system. “Ultimately, this demonstrates our stroke team’s dedication to their community and to their patients, who are benefiting from the high standards we put in place.”
“It’s about making sure that we’re delivering the optimal care for stroke patients,” adds Ryan Clouser, DO, MHCDS, FCCM, chief medical officer at CVMC.
Getting a Second Chance
Dr. Clouser points to one case that serves as a great example of why the hospital pursued the PSC designation. He says a patient in their 40s arrived at CVMC with significant stroke symptoms. The patient went through an established protocol that included a CT scan, a provider exam, diagnosis and medication. Because the medication was provided quickly, the patient’s stroke symptoms resolved within the first 24 hours.
“That means this person can hopefully get back to work. They can raise their family. They can feed themselves. They can do those basic things. There’s minimal impact to their quality of life. Those moments help reinforce why we’re doing this,” explains Dr. Clouser.
Striving for Excellence
According to The Joint Commission, Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.
“We commend CVMC for using The Joint Commission certification process to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for its patients,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at The Joint Commission.
“We congratulate CVMC for this outstanding achievement,” adds Nancy Brown, chief executive officer at the American Heart Association. “This certification reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
The certification process includes constant performance evaluation and improvement, including a review of every case. It also requires coordinating community resources, such as local Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and working closely with University of Vermont Health Network partners, including University of Vermont Medical Center.
“This certification is an affirmation that CVMC is meeting and exceeding national standards, with our patients at the center of everything we do,” Dr. Commichau points out. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care, which ultimately leads to better outcomes. The bottom line: this hospital and our health system are working together to do all we can so our patients can return to their productive lives.”
“This is a testament to the results of our educational efforts, as well,” Dr. Commichau continues. “By increasing the knowledge of stroke and stroke risk factors in the community, we’re helping prevent them from happening in the first place, which is another tremendously important goal.”
Commitment to the Community
Dr. Clouser and Dr. Commichau note the idea is to be the primary hub of stroke care in the central part of the state. The hospital cared for more than 160 stroke patients last year. And that number could grow in the years to come. Dr. Clouser notes that the population in the state and the region is aging, and achieving this designation is a way of planning ahead for what could be a growing need of stroke care.
“We can give you great stroke care, and you can stay right here in the community, making it easier for family and friends to see you,” Dr. Clouser explains.
“Achieving this nationally recognized certification for stroke care demonstrates CVMC’s deep commitment to providing the best care possible to the communities we serve, close to home. I am extremely proud of our team and all their efforts to achieve this milestone.” says Anna Tempesta Noonan, president and chief operating officer at CVMC.
The accomplishment is also something hospital employees can be proud of, says Dr. Clouser.
“It proves to the people here at CVMC that they can set really high goals for themselves and achieve them, with our patients being at the center of our purpose. A rural hospital like ours accomplishing PSC certification doesn’t happen very often. It’s a big deal, not just for us, but for our community and the health system as a whole.”