During this week’s “virtual” survey to re-verify NHRMC as a DNV-GL Comprehensive Stroke Center, surveyor Tim Hehr shared his appreciation for NHRMC’s culture and accomplishments.
The mission of the NHRMC Comprehensive Stroke Center is to provide timely comprehensive care for cerebral vascular patients to assure optimal outcomes and quality of life.
The surveyor recognized NHRMC’s success in getting the best available treatment to our stroke patients much faster than the national standard. Faster intervention leads to better outcomes, and Hehr said that the data supplied by NHRMC reflected the hard work of the team.
Hehr was impressed by NHRMC’s early adoption of Tenecteplase, a clot-busting treatment that he said he usually sees only in research facilities. DNV also noted NHRMC’s efforts to educate professionals across the region to ensure our partners have the knowledge to meet our standards of care.
"One year after our initial comprehensive stroke center certification our team and collaborators continue to build on past successes," said Dr. Vinodh T. Doss, Stroke and Neurointerventional Surgery Medical Director. "Mr. Hehr positively emphasized our quick treatment times and innovative use of TNK for acute stroke. These processes which have been driven primarily by our physicians and APPs attest to NHRMC’s reputation as a top tier stroke program nationwide. I am extremely proud of this team and the work done to give the people of SENC the best possible cerebrovascular care."
During the virtual survey, Hehr interviewed key staff via Skype and reviewed patient charts remotely. He wanted to recognize the staff members he met for their clinical expertise and willingness to proudly share their enthusiasm about the Stroke Center. They are: Monique Goodson and Ashley Patel (ED RNs), Steven Nakajima (ED/ICU Pharmacist), Aaron Shook (CT Technologist), Tish Wisecup (Interventional Radiology Technologist) and Leigh Anne Pasco (Interventional Radiology RN). He also reviewed the education and competencies of our stroke team, just as he would do if he were on site.
One notable accomplishment is that, even in the midst of a pandemic, all findings from the previous survey were cleared. DNV did identify some room for improvement, and processes have already begun to make changes.
DNV recognized NHRMC’s organizational support of the stroke team.
“You have a fabulous team,” Hehr said.
“This successful survey is a reflection of the multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration that helps us provide excellent care to our community,” said Tom Curley, Stroke Center Manager. “We are proud of our accomplishments as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and we will continue to strive for excellence."
Click below to see the video NHRMC used in its quality presentation to the DNV surveyor.
Note: The video and photo accompanying this article were completed before restrictions were implemented for COVID-19.
NHRMC Comprehensive Stroke Center from NHRMC Videos on Vimeo.