Primary Stroke Center

The Joint Commission, in partnership with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, has recognized Archbold Memorial as a Primary Stroke Center.

This certification signifies that Archbold meets the highest standards of stroke care, ensuring patients receive timely, evidence-based treatment that improves outcomes and saves lives. When stroke strikes, time matters. Choosing the right facility can be the difference between full recovery and long-term disability.

About Primary Stroke Centers

As a Primary Stroke Center, Archbold Memorial has the infrastructure and capabilities to offer dependable stroke treatment when it matters most.

Acute Stroke Teams: Archbold's stroke team includes physicians and other health care practitioners who are available 24 hours a day and able to be at the bedside of a possible stroke patient within 15 minutes of patient arrival. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and providers with expertise in cerebrovascular disease are prepared to respond to stroke emergencies.
Written Care Protocols: Archbold adheres to stroke protocols that improve the care patients receive and reduce complications. Written protocols are available in the emergency department (ED) and other areas where stroke patients may receive care and are reviewed and updated by the stroke team regularly.
Coordination with Emergency Medical Services: Given that EMS plays a vital role in delivering timely care to patients with stroke, Archbold is proud to partner with Thomas County EMS and surrounding emergency medical services to facilitate efficient admission of stroke patients to Archbold Memorial.
Emergency Department Commitment: The ED is typically the first point of contact between stroke patients and Archbold. ED personnel at Archbold are trained to diagnose and treat all types of acute stroke.
Stroke Unit: Archbold understands that patients who receive care in stroke units have better outcomes than those that receive care in general medical wards. We are proud to offer specialized care to these patients in the Archbold Memorial Stroke Unit.
Neurosurgical Services: Archbold Neurologists and Neurosurgeons are prepared to care for patients in a timely manner, typically allowing patients to stay close to home at Archbold to receive the life-saving care they need when time matters most.
Support of the Medical Organization: Archbold's administration and staff are committed to high quality, efficient stroke care and facilitating the most dependable and efficient care possible for the residents of our communities.
Neuroimaging and Laboratory Services: Archbold Memorial offers timely access to brain imaging and laboratory services to rapidly diagnose a patient.
Outcome and Quality Improvement Activities: Archbold is proud to have team members dedicated to patient safety and quality improvement within our facilities. Our Stroke Program Coordinator, Stroke Medical Director and Vice President of Quality & Patient Safety work to ensure patients at Archbold receive safe and continually-improving care.
Continuing Medical Education: The science surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease is constantly changing. Archbold providers and staff are committed to continually updating their knowledge regarding best practices.

About Stroke

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability among American adults. Each year, approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke in the United States. Despite its prevalence, many hospitals do not have the necessary personnel, equipment, and organization to triage and treat patients with stroke rapidly and effectively. A study published in 2019 found that only 37% of US hospitals were certified stroke centers. Stroke centers have stroke specific infrastructure, including acute stroke teams, stroke units, care protocols, and other support systems for stroke patients which increase the use of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments, reducing stroke complications and improving overall stroke care. (Source: AHA/ASA)

Stroke Warning Signs

Time matters when it comes to stroke. Take a moment to study the stroke warning signs below and remember "BE FAST." You never know when a quick response to these warning signs could save a life.

Call 911 immediately if you observe even one of the stroke symptoms in anyone, including yourself. Early treatment of stroke leads to higher survival rates and lower disability rates.

SPOT A STROKE -- "BE FAST"
BALANCE -- EYES -- FACE -- ARMS -- SPEECH -- TIME

Stroke Centers Deliver High Quality Care

The goal of a Primary Stroke Center is to improve the efficiency of patient care and increase the use of life-saving acute stroke therapies. Stroke centers are proven to decrease complications related to stroke, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve long-term outcomes. Seeking care at a Primary Stroke Center means reduced time from ED arrival to acute care based on the most up-to-date guidelines and highest standards of care. (Source: AHA/ASA)

Supporting Stroke Systems of Care

Primary Stroke Centers are the central hub to a stroke system of care, facilitating patient access to important stroke services and improving quality of care. As a Primary Stroke Center, Archbold Memorial supports the timely diagnosis and transportation of patients who suffer stroke to the best destination for definitive treatment. Archbold works closely with system facilities and outside hospitals to reduce treatment times and improve patient outcomes by promoting an organized and standardized approach to care.

Despite being proven to enhance the quality of stroke care and improve patient outcomes, access to certified stroke centers is limited. Over one-third of the US population is not within 60 minutes of a Primary Stroke Center. As a Primary Stroke Center, we believe it is our purpose to support and expand access to critical stroke care and resources across our region. Archbold is proud to offer convenient, efficient and dependable stroke care to our communities across Southwest Georgia.

Designation Process

The Brain Attack Coalition (BAC), a multidisciplinary organization that includes most major medical organizations involved with stroke care, created a series of recommendations outlining the most important elements of stroke care. Based on these recommendations, the certification of stroke centers began as a way to improve quality and standardize care.

The designation process for Primary Stroke Center certification is based on the evaluation of stringent standards, implementation of clinical practice guidelines, and continuous performance improvement activities. Hospitals that demonstrate excellence in all three areas are awarded certification. This process ensures that stroke patients have access to the highest standards of care across all certified centers. Although many entities, including several states, have developed their own designation processes, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) and The Joint Commission (TJC) have the largest and most well-known PSC certification program, combining the expertise of the AHA/ASA in scientific knowledge with TJC’s experience in evaluating quality and excellence in care. Archbold Memorial is proud to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission in conjunction with the American Heart association, as well as by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Daniel O’Neal, BSN, RN, SCRN
Stroke Program Coordinator
Archbold Memorial
229.228.8030