Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification received by Lake Monroe Hospital

Sanford, FL — HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, an affiliate of HCA Florida Healthcare, announced it has received national certification from DNV, a global assurance and risk management company, as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events. The hospital is the first and only facility in Seminole, Lake and western Volusia counties to provide this level of stroke care. For the community, this prestigious national certification means HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital provides stroke patients high-quality life-saving emergency care, treatment and comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation, helping them recover and regain their quality of life, all in one location.

The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. A Comprehensive Stroke Center is distinguished by its neurointerventional specialists who can remove the stroke-causing blood clot directly from the artery in the brain, limiting the risk of disability and improving outcomes.

“Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke,” said John Gerhold, CEO of HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. “When a stroke occurs, it's critical the patient receives medical attention right away. Prior to our team providing this level of stroke intervention, local residents having certain types of severe strokes had to travel to receive necessary care. We are proud to deliver life-saving stroke care closer to home for members of our community.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death and is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” affects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area to treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines which facility a patient should be taken to for the most appropriate care.