CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Earns National Recognition for Stroke Care

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Silver Plus achievement award.

The recognition was awarded for the hospital’s commitment to ensure stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

The hospital also earned the AHA’s Rural Stroke – Bronze recognition for exceeding acute stroke performance metrics for hospitals in rural communities.

“Being recognized by the American Heart Association validates the exemplary stroke care that we are providing on a daily basis,” said Kala Anders, stroke program manager. “These achievements establish confidence within our community that we are dedicated to ensuring all patients have access to the best practices and life-saving care.”

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients.

“These distinctions show the great strides our facility has made in advancing quality, evidence-based stroke care, and has set us apart as a leader in the region for stroke care,” said Dr. Vikas Pandey, stroke program medical director.

The CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs stroke program is also accredited by The Joint Commission as a primary stroke center and as an acute stroke ready hospital.