Butler Health System | Butler Health | Fall 2018

HEALTH LINK FALL 2018 To get the best care when you or a loved one is having a stroke, you need to have speed, expertise and experience on your side. Our primary stroke center is certified to provide all three. Butler Health System was awarded stroke center certification by the Healthcare Facilities Accredita- tion Program (HFAP), the nation’s original, inde- pendent accreditation organization recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Certification confirms that Butler Health System is providing high-quality care as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. “Butler Health System clearly demonstrates a com- mitment to quality and patient safety,” says Lawrence Haspel, DO, Chairman of the Bureau of Healthcare Facilities Accreditation for HFAP. “We base our decision on the findings of an extensive and thorough on-site review of Butler Memorial Hospital against recognized national standards for patient safety, quality improve- ment and environmental safety. Butler Memorial Hos- pital has earned the distinction of HFAP certification by successfully meeting those standards.” Rapid diagnosis and treatment Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term dis- ability in U.S. adults. It’s the fifth leading cause of death. Two keys to reducing stroke-related disability and death are rapid diagnosis and treatment. As a primary stroke center, we focus on just those. Among other things, our stroke center offers: » » A 24/7 acute stroke team. The team includes a physician and others experienced in stroke diagno- sis and treatment. » » Excellent coordination with emergency medical services personnel. This allows care to start before the patient reaches our door. » » Fast access to brain imaging services. That cuts the time it takes to diagnose a stroke. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin. Read about our stroke services at butlerhealthsystem.org . Go to “Services” and click on “Stroke.” ButlerHealthSystem.org F BHS recognized as a primary HFAP Stroke Center Sudden signs of a stroke FAST: An easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. FACE. One side droops. ARM. One drifts downward when both are raised. SPEECH. Is slurred or unusual. TIME. Call 911 immediately. F A S T