News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Crossville Cumberland Medical Center has been certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.
Quality Manager Melisa McCollough says the certification is a result of educating the public about stroke symptoms.
“We have an education plan. We go out into the community and share information about stroke symptoms,” McCollough said. “B.E.F.A.S.T is our new monic: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time; and we have done extensive education in our communities and schools. Our goal is for each day to better than we were the day before.”
CMC received high grades on their 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Saftey Grade Survey. This allows residents to view how positive or negative local hospitals are in terms of care and treatment.
President and CEO of Covenant Health Jim VanderSteeg said he’s pleased that CMC is qualified for these advanced certifications.
“Our stroke hospital network provides convenient local resources for stroke care in the communities we serve, and primary stoke certification is an affirmation of our hospitals’ commitment to patients who experience stroke,” President VanderSteeg said.
According to Covenant Health’s data, 89 percent of stroke symptomatic patients who go to the emergency department are seen in less than 15 minutes.
Administrative Officer and President David Bunch said timing is crucial for the care of their patients.
“Time is critical when treating a stroke,” President Bunch said. “We have established rigorous protocols to quickly identify and treat stroke patients. I’m pleased with our team’s tremendous work to earn this designation, which confirms our patients receive excellent care.”
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.
CMC is a member of Covenant Health, the region’s only stroke hospital network. The certifications come from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
To know more about CMC’s stroke care, visit their website.
