Lakeland, FL – The Advanced Primary Stroke Center at Lakeland Regional Health has achieved Target: Stroke Honor Roll – Elite Plus status from the American Stroke Association. This is the highest level of recognition available to hospitals participating in the Target: Stroke program. Lakeland Regional Health is the only hospital in the region to receive recognition at the Elite Plus level.
The Target: Stroke program is a national initiative of the American Stroke Association which focuses on the improvement of stroke care for patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a protein that helps break down blood clots. In order to receive the Target Stoke Honor Roll – Elite Plus status, Lakeland Regional needed to reduce the time to therapy to within 60 minutes in 75 percent or more of stroke patients treated with tPA and reduce door-to-needle time to within 45 minutes for 50 percent of stroke patients.
“Speed of treatment is essential for recovery of function after a stroke,” said Duane Campbell, MD, Stroke Program Director. “We are extremely proud that our Advanced Primary Stroke Center has been recognized for our team’s hard work delivering rapid, safe and effective care for our patients. The support of our radiology and emergency departments makes this level of care possible.”
Lakeland Regional Health was recognized for this award at the International Stroke Conference held on February 11 – 13 in Nashville, Tennessee. Carrie Rischer, MSN, MAEd, RN-BC, CMSRN, Stroke Program Coordinator, will accept the award on behalf of Lakeland Regional Health.