(Fargo, ND) -- Sanford Health Fargo’s stroke program has earned recertification from The Joint Commission. This accreditation, which is the highest level of stroke certification, signifies Sanford Fargo meets the standards to treat the most complex stroke cases.
Sanford Fargo is the only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, and the only center between Seattle, Denver and Minneapolis.
“When dealing with a stroke, time is of the essence. The quicker we are able to treat our patients who are having a stroke, the more likely our patient is going to have a successful outcome,” said Dr. Gautam Sachdeva, Sanford Health neurologist and stroke medical director. “Being able to offer this level of care in our own backyard is a big advantage for our patients. Delivering high-quality health care to our patients is our number one priority.”
Some of the criteria to be an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center include:
- Dedicated neuro-intensive care unit and neuro-critical care providers provide neuro-critical care 24/7.
- Cerebrovascular neurosurgery team capable of managing brain vessel pathology of any complexity with microsurgical and endovascular approaches.
- Commitment to continual performance improvement to meet stringent outcome criteria.
- Meet or exceed minimum number of patients served with various stroke treatments including surgical and pharmaceutical interventions.
- Outstanding stroke research and education programs.
This accreditation comes after a rigorous review and evaluation by The Joint Commission. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted observations and interviews.
Sanford encourages the public to know and understand the signs and symptoms of stroke to receive care in a timely manner. The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. helps to remember the signs and symptoms of stroke, sudden loss of Balance, Lost vision in one or both Eyes, Check for Facial drooping, Arm weakness and Speech difficulty. If those signs are present, then it’s Time to call 911.
Learn more about stroke treatment by clicking here.