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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ocala Regional Medical Center honored with prestigious stroke certification

Ocala Regional Medical Center has been certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

The hospital received the certification from DNV GL-Healthcare. It’s a prestigious designation that reflects the highest level of competence for treatment of patients who have experienced a stroke.

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Scientific evidence shows that when a stroke, or brain attack, occurs, immediate assessment and treatment will reduce the effects of the medical condition and lessen the chances of a permanent disability.

Ocala Regional Medical Center is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Marion County and is also the closest such facility to patients in Sumter, Citrus and parts of Lake County. That means patients no longer have to travel out of the area to receive the high-quality treatment that can result in more favorable outcomes after suffering a stroke.

“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Chad Christianson, CEO of Ocala Health. “Earning national accreditation through a program such as DNV shows ORMC’s commitment to quality, process improvement and providing excellent healthcare.”

The certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. Those affirm that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Patrick Horine, CEO of DNV GL-Healthcare. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines which facility a patient should be taken to for the most appropriate care.

DNV GL is a world-leading certification body that helps businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment and training services.
Within healthcare, DNV GL helps its customers achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety through hospital accreditation, disease-specific certifications and quality management training.

Ocala Health encompasses Ocala Regional Medical Center, a 256-bed Level II Trauma Center located in the heart of Ocala; West Marion Community Hospital, a 174-bed hospital located in west Marion County; Summerfield ER, a freestanding emergency department located in southern Marion County; and Maricamp ER, a freestanding emergency department located on Maricamp Road in Ocala.

The hospitals offer a host of award-winning services including orthopedic care and joint replacement, robotic surgery, cardiac and vascular services including open heart surgery and interventional procedures, emergency, neurological and rehabilitation services, and bariatric surgery.

Ocala Health has the only Commission on Cancer-approved cancer center in Marion County. The healthcare organization’s outpatient facilities include Family Care Specialists, a primary care network of six locations throughout Marion County; Advanced Imaging Centers; a freestanding Wound and Hyperbaric Center; a Senior Wellness Community Center; and three surgical and physician specialty practices.