Published on January 22, 2008

Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Named a Primary Stroke Center

Designation Provides Access to Rapid, Coordinated, Life-Saving Care for Stroke Patients

Rockville , MD – Shady Grove Adventist Hospital has obtained a one-year designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).  This important accomplishment denotes Shady Grove as a hospital where stroke patients will receive life-saving, high-quality care by a specially trained medical team.  Published research has shown that the rapid and coordinated team approach provided by Primary Stroke Centers leads to the best outcomes for stroke patients.

“Becoming a Primary Stroke Center is an important achievement for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and for our community,” notes Dr. Gaurov Dayal, Chief Medical Officer for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.  “This designation demonstrates the commitment of our hospital to meet the emergent needs of stroke patients through high quality care and clinical excellence delivered by a comprehensive team of care providers.”

A stroke is a “brain attack” that literally cuts off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.  During a stroke, two million brain cells die every minute, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death.  In the U.S., stroke is the third leading cause of death, killing 160,000 people each year, and the leading cause of adult disability. 

Hospitals that are Primary Stroke Centers must establish a number of key elements to enhance care to stroke patients, including an acute stroke unit, an integrated emergency response system, and a 24-hour neurosurgical and neuroimaging services.  They must also develop and implement evidence based stroke pathways of care.  Prior to designating a hospital a Primary Stroke Center, MIEMSS conducts a one-day, on-site survey to assess the stroke program.  Shady Grove Adventist Hospital successfully completed its survey on October 1.

“It has been well documented that quick actions can save lives and limit disabilities in stroke patients.  At Shady Grove, we are proud to have important systems in place along with a highly qualified team of care providers to provide life-saving care to stroke patients,” said Corda Johnson, NP, Stroke Team Coordinator for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

ShadyGrove Adventist Hospital , is a not-for-profit, acute care facility with 275 licensed beds that is located in Rockville, Maryland.  Shady Grove is committed to demonstrating God’s care by improving the health of people and communities through a ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.  The hospital offers a broad range of health services and is recognized for excellence in emergency care; high-risk obstetrical and neonatal care; cardiac and vascular interventional care; pediatric services including the first Pediatric Emergency Department in Montgomery County and the only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in the county; as well as a broad range of surgical specialties.  The Shady Grove Adventist Emergency Center in Germantown opened in 2006 and is providing increased access to emergency medical care for upcounty residents.  Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is part of Rockville, Maryland-based Adventist HealthCare, an integrated health care delivery system that is one of the largest employers in the state of Maryland.