Little Rock, Arkansas – North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) has earned a significant recognition from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), being officially designated as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH). This prestigious designation highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care and improving patient outcomes in the community.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability across the United States, and Arkansas has one of the highest stroke death rates in the nation. According to the latest data, Arkansas ranks fourth in the country for stroke-related deaths, with a staggering 1,852 lives lost to strokes in 2023. As stroke remains a major public health challenge in the state, timely and efficient care is crucial. North Arkansas Regional Medical Center’s designation as an ArSRH is a step forward in ensuring that stroke patients receive rapid, high-quality treatment.
Dr. Bala Simon, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ADH, emphasized the urgency of quick intervention when it comes to treating strokes. “With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” Dr. Simon stated. “The ArSRH designation ensures that stroke patients make it to the closest appropriate hospital when they dial 911.” This certification is essential in a state that struggles with high stroke mortality rates, as it guarantees that those in need will be transported to hospitals equipped to handle stroke emergencies quickly.
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North Arkansas Regional Medical Center’s recognition as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital is part of a broader effort by the state to improve stroke care systems. Hospitals with this designation are equipped to provide critical care for stroke patients from the moment they are brought in. The ArSRH designation focuses on ensuring that stroke patients receive an immediate evaluation with real-time stroke assessments, as well as access to telemedicine when needed.
One of the cornerstones of Arkansas’s stroke care system is the collaboration between hospitals and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS). By working closely with EMS providers, hospitals like NARMC ensure that stroke patients are identified early and transported efficiently to the appropriate medical facility. EMS professionals use standardized protocols to screen for signs of stroke and ensure that patients are taken directly to a hospital capable of providing timely care. This partnership is key to improving stroke outcomes across the state.
As part of the certification process, NARMC also emphasizes patient education, offering clear guidance on how to recognize a stroke when it occurs. The ADH encourages everyone to remember the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym, which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, and Time to call 9-1-1. These are the critical signs of a stroke, and recognizing them quickly can save lives. If someone shows any of these symptoms, it’s vital to act fast and call 911 to ensure they get the help they need as quickly as possible.
For stroke patients, the earlier they receive medical care, the better their chances of survival and recovery. Unfortunately, many stroke patients don’t receive medical care in time. This is where the Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital designation comes into play—by ensuring that patients are promptly identified, quickly treated, and transported to the best possible facility. Hospitals like NARMC that earn this designation are helping to change the outcomes for stroke patients across the region.
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The Arkansas Department of Health’s stroke system of care includes a range of specialized hospitals, from Certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers to Primary Stroke Centers and Acute Stroke Ready Facilities. The Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital designation is an important step for hospitals to demonstrate their preparedness in handling stroke emergencies. As part of the stroke care network, NARMC now plays a vital role in providing rapid intervention for patients experiencing strokes.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center’s recent recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its medical staff. The designation reflects their commitment to patient care and their preparedness to handle time-critical stroke cases effectively. It also speaks to the hospital’s focus on continuous improvement and collaboration with community partners to provide the best possible care for patients.
For more information about stroke care in Arkansas or to find a list of Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospitals, you can visit the ADH website at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/stroke/arkansas-stroke-ready-hospitals/. This resource provides helpful details on recognizing the signs of stroke, and where to seek care in an emergency.
With the recognition of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, stroke patients in the area can feel confident that they will receive the necessary care quickly and effectively. The state’s commitment to improving stroke outcomes continues to grow, with more hospitals working towards stroke readiness certifications. This partnership between hospitals, EMS, and the ADH is helping to ensure that fewer lives are lost to stroke and that survivors have the best chance for a full recovery.
