The Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center at Memorial Hospital Recertified as Central Valley’s Only Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center.

Bakersfield, CA – April 30, 2021 – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that The Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart and Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark as a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center. Memorial Hospital is the only Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center in the Central Valley and one of only 12 hospitals in California to achieve this designation.

A stroke is usually caused by a clot blocking blood flow through an artery in the brain. Large clots often cause strokes which can lead to permanent disability or even death. Thrombectomy is a procedure in which a catheter or “wire” is threaded up through blood vessels into the brain, and then an interventional radiologist uses the catheter to remove the clot and restore blood flow. Thrombectomy has been proven to save lives, maintain a stroke survivor’s ability to live independently and is the most effective treatment for large strokes.

“I am so proud of the care that this extraordinary stroke team delivers to our patients. This certification acknowledges our commitment to continuously advance the quality of care available in our Central Valley area, and the quality of care available right here in Bakersfield,” says Michele Shain, Senior Director of Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Services at Memorial Hospital. “This advanced level of care requires a well-choreographed process among several departments in order to ensure a timely and efficient treatment plan for our patients.”

Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, virtual review by The Joint Commission which evaluated compliance with related certification standards including emergency, critical care and stroke care management as well as neuro interventional radiology protocols and performance. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients.

“Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Memorial Hospital for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”

“We congratulate Memorial Hospital for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart and Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

As an acute care hospital and Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Bakersfield Memorial makes many advanced services available to the community and patients, especially those with emergent needs. Some of those services include a collaboration with local EMS, the capability to perform imaging and thrombectomy procedures 24/7 and a team of neuro professionals always available to respond to time sensitive emergencies.

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About Dignity Health Memorial Hospital
Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a 426 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center including the area’s only dedicated pediatric emergency room, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House and Hope House. A member of CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.