St. David’s Medical Center First Hospital in Texas to Receive Texas Department of State Health Services’ Primary Stroke Center Designation

11/12/09

AUSTIN, Texas—On Thursday, November 12, 2009, St. David’s Medical Center will be the first hospital in Texas to receive the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) designation as a Primary Stroke Center.

“The purpose of the stroke facility designation program is to establish a framework for developing a voluntary, statewide emergency treatment system for stroke victims,” David Lakey, M.D., commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said. “Patterned after our well-established trauma system, stroke designation will allow stroke victims to be rapidly transported to and treated in appropriate stroke-treatment facilities. We congratulate St. David’s Medical Center on this achievement.”

Dr. Lakey will present the designation certificate to St. David’s Medical Center Chief Executive Officer C. David Huffstutler on Thursday.

“We are honored to receive this designation, and we applaud the Texas Department of State Health Services for its leadership in stroke care,” Huffstutler said. “Having an established distinction program will improve the quality of care for stroke patients throughout Texas. We are pleased to take part in this significant effort.”

DSHS’ stroke designation center program will allow for the development of an effective and resource-efficient plan to reduce the morbidity, mortality and economic burden of stroke in Texas. It will include guidance for the 22 regional advisory councils (RACs) to develop regional stroke system plans, including stroke emergency transport plans.

In addition to this distinction by DSHS, St. David’s Medical Center has previously been named as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.

St. David’s Medical Center is home to NeuroTexas Institute at St. David’s HealthCare, which is dedicated to ensuring the best clinical outcomes for patients with conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves, including stroke. The Institute was founded to promote quality care, provide academic leadership and perform advanced research in the field of neurosciences.

The presentation for the hospital’s designation as a Primary Stroke Center will take place at 1 p.m. at St. David’s Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd Street, inside the board room. Members of the media are invited to attend.