Citizens Memorial Hospital receives Acute Stroke Ready Center certification from DNV

• 21 October 2024

Citizens Memorial Hospital has received certification from DNV as an Acute Stroke Ready Center, recognizing its ability to handle strokes and stroke-related medical problems. CMH is also a designated Level III Stroke Center by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Through a partnership with CoxHealth, CMH offers 24/7 telestroke coverage. This service connects CMH patients to neurologists at Cox South, the region's only DNV-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. This allows treatment to begin within minutes of a patient's arrival at the hospital.

The Acute Stroke Ready certified program is especially important for communities where access to a larger hospital may be too far away.

“We know that ‘time is brain,’ and the faster a patient can get to a certified stroke center, the better,” says Sarah Bolton, Time Critical Diagnosis program manager at CMH. “This certification shows that we have the resources and dedication to provide the best possible stroke care.”

When a patient arrives at CMH with stroke-like symptoms such as balance issues, vision loss, uneven smile, arm weakness, or slurred speech, emergency room staff act fast. They perform advanced brain scans and consult with neurologists at CoxHealth.

For patients who are eligible, tenecteplace (TNK), a medication to treat blood clots, must be given within a short window of time. Quick action is critical, which is why calling 911 right away when symptoms appear is essential.

“It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess, identify and treat strokes,” Bolton said. “This certification validates the tremendous effort we have put into this program, ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Acute Stroke Ready Certification is based on standards from the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. It affirms that CMH provides initial diagnosis and treatment and, when necessary, quickly transfers patients to a specialized stroke center with a higher spectrum of stroke care.

“Achieving certification shows a commitment to excellence,” says Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “It helps demonstrate to your community that you are providing the highest level of care that this hospital is designed to offer.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming nearly 130,000 lives each year, according to the American Stroke Association. It also causes serious, long-term adult disabilities. Quick treatment can save lives and limit long-term damage.

For more information about DNV, visit https://www.dnv.us/supplychain/healthcare/stroke-certs/.

About CMH

Citizens Memorial Hospital is a comprehensive rural healthcare system in Bolivar, Missouri, serving eight counties. CMH is an 86-bed acute care hospital and a Level III Trauma Center, Level II STEMI Center and Level III Stroke Center. In addition to hospital services, CMH includes 34 physician clinics, rehabilitation services, and ambulance services in four counties.

The CMH Foundation operates six long-term care facilities and a residential care center, retail pharmacies, an array of home care and hospice services, home medical stores, and a senior health center.

Currently, Citizens Memorial Hospital is undergoing a 117,000-square-foot expansion and a 25,000-square-foot renovation project that will enhance patient care with private rooms. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.