Valley Regional Medical Center announced today that it has earned Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification from DNV Healthcare, recognizing the hospital’s ability to provide the highest level of care for patients experiencing serious and complex strokes.
The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification recognizes hospitals with the personnel, technology and clinical expertise needed to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of stroke cases. Valley Regional Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Brownsville to provide 24/7 advanced neurology, neurosurgery, neurocritical care and neuroendovascular services, reinforcing its ability to provide comprehensive stroke care from rapid diagnosis and advanced intervention through rehabilitation and recovery.
“Achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is an important milestone for Valley Regional Medical Center and, more importantly, for the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Benedict Tan, neurointensivist/neurointerventionist at Valley Regional Medical Center.
“When a stroke occurs, every minute matters. This certification reflects the expertise and dedication of our physicians, nurses and colleagues who work together around the clock to ensure patients in Brownsville and across the Rio Grande Valley have access to advanced, lifesaving stroke care close to home,” said Sohum Desai, neurosurgeon/neurointerventionist also at Valley Regional Medical Center.
Valley Regional Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency stroke care supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, neurocritical care specialists, neurosurgeons, neuroendovascular specialists, critical care intensivists, nurse practitioners, stroke-certified nurses, neurocritical care trained nurses and rehabilitation professionals. The hospital also offers advanced biplane imaging technology, which provides highly detailed images of blood vessels in the brain and neck to help physicians diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions.
The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards established by leading stroke organizations and recognizes hospitals capable of treating the most complex stroke cases. Certification evaluates capabilities across the continuum of stroke care, including advanced neuroimaging, neurointerventional procedures, neurocritical care, neurosurgical care and multidisciplinary clinical care, rehabilitation, education, quality measurement and patient outcomes.
“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
The Comprehensive Stroke Center designation builds on Valley Regional Medical Center’s continued investment in advanced neurological care. The hospital provides 24/7 advanced neuroendovascular services and specialized treatment for conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
Valley Regional Medical Center has also been recognized by the American Heart Association with its Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for providing stroke care consistent with nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
“This achievement represents years of work to expand the level of neurological care available in our community,” said Dr. Luis Gaitan, neurologist and founder of Valley Regional Medical Center’s stroke program. “Having comprehensive stroke capabilities here in Brownsville means patients with even the most complex strokes can receive rapid evaluation and advanced treatment without having to leave the community. That access can make a tremendous difference when every second counts.”
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Rapid recognition and treatment are critical because brain cells can begin to die within minutes. Comprehensive stroke centers are equipped to care for patients experiencing all types of strokes, including those requiring advanced neurocritical care, neuroendovascular or neurosurgical intervention.
The certification underscores Valley Regional Medical Center’s continued commitment to expanding access to advanced neurological services for patients throughout Brownsville, Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley.
For more information about stroke and neuroscience services at Valley Regional Medical Center, visit Valley Regional Medical Center's website.