Ocala Regional Medical Center has received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a prestigious designation that reflects the highest level of competence for treatment of patients who have experienced a stroke. Scientific evidence shows that when a stroke, or also called brain attack occurs, immediate assessment and treatment will reduce the effects of stroke and lessen the chances of a permanent disability. Ocala Regional Medical Center is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Marion County and is also the closest Comprehensive Stroke Center to patients in Sumter, Citrus, and parts of Lake County. Patients no longer have to travel out of the area to receive the high-quality treatment that can result in more favorable outcomes for patients who have had a stroke.

“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” says Chad Christianson, CEO, Ocala Health. “Earning national accreditation through a program such as DNV shows ORMC’s commitment to quality, process improvement and providing excellent healthcare.”

The DNV GL - Healthcare 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.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Patrick Horine, CEO of DNV GL - Healthcare. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.” Dr. Iraj Nikfarjam, a Neurointerventionalist at Ocala Health says “By achieving this certification, Ocala Regional Medical Center is being recognized for the care they provide to patients in Marion County as well as patients in Sumter, Citrus, and parts of Lake County. With this designation, patients suffering from all types of strokes such as large brain clots and hemorrhages, can now receive immediate care closer to home.”

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