For 6th consecutive year, DNV certifies HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital as top stroke care centers

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA West Marion Hospital are honored to announce their stroke centers have each received certifications from DNV Healthcare USA Inc., recognizing their high level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events. For the sixth year in a row, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital has been certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV.

“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, as well as the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said HCA Florida Ocala Hospital Chief Executive Officer Alan Keesee. “These certifications from DNV validate our expertise in and focus on ensuring the health and safety of our stroke patients.”

In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate, reimbursable care.

Comprehensive Stroke Centers such as HCA Florida Ocala Hospital are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. A Primary Stroke Center Certification is for medium and larger hospitals such as HCA West Marion Hospital that have the necessary staffing, infrastructure, and programs to stabilize and treat most emergent stroke patients. A Primary Stroke Center can provide treatment to a broad range of stroke conditions and is able to provide some acute therapies, as well as admit patients to a designated stroke unit or to beds specifically assigned for stroke care.

“Achieving DNV certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc., “and it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

The DNV Stroke Center certifications awarded to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirm that the hospitals address the full spectrum of stroke care — diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education  — and establish clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.