Holyoke Medical Center Receives Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced it has received certification from DNV as a primary stroke center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle stroke-related medical problems.

“Holyoke Medical Center has been recognized annually since 2007 with various stroke awards. This primary stroke center certification from DNV further exemplifies the commitment we have to providing the best stroke care to our community,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.

The DNV primary stroke center certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Assoc., and affirms that Holyoke 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,” said Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

According to the American Stroke Assoc., stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult 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.