Our Lady of the Lake Named Baton Rouge Region’s First Comprehensive Stroke Center
September 09, 2024
Baton Rouge, LA — Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascular Institute is proud to announce that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification, the first and only hospital in the region to achieve this distinction. This designation is reserved for hospitals that can quickly and accurately treat the most complex stroke cases and have proven better outcomes for patients.As a Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence, the stroke center offers 24/7 care for clot retrieval and coiling procedures during hemorrhagic stroke, setting it apart from other stroke programs in the region. The team’s average monthly “door to needle” clot-busting treatment time is under 30 minutes, among the fastest times in the state. A specialized, 20-bed neurocritical care unit is staffed by nurses certified in stroke and critical care, ensuring tailored, expert care for individuals with stroke and neurological conditions throughout their recovery.
Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascular Institute was previously awarded the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus award, recognizing 24 months or more of quality measures and adherence to the latest scientific treatment guidelines for excellent patient outcomes.
"This designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center underscores our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, lifesaving care to our community," said Chuck Spicer, President of Our Lady of the Lake Health. "We are incredibly excited for the recognition of the team and the collaborative efforts that have led to this significant achievement, ensuring that our community has world-class stroke care close to home."
Our Lady of the Lake is a leader in stroke education, partnering with the community and stroke navigators and medical staff in their treatment facilities to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors for stroke. The stroke program at Our Lady of the Lake also benefits from a partnership with The Neuromedical Center, ensuring patients have access to the region’s best resources for comprehensive neurosciences care.
Our Lady of the Lake underwent a rigorous onsite review in June 2024. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, patient safety, rehabilitation, and delivering and coordinating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Our Lady of the Lake for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
"Our Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation reflects our team's dedication to providing best-in-class care and ensuring the very best outcomes for our patients," said Dr. Gary Walker, Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Our Lady of the Lake Health. "We are incredibly proud of our team and their commitment to elevating our stroke program.”
For more information about The Joint Commission’s certifications, please visit The Joint Commission website. For more information about Our Lady of the Lake’s stroke program, please visit ololrmc.com/stroke.
About Our Lady of the Lake Health
Our Lady of the Lake Health is a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare ministry based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with more than 7,500 employees committed to serving the Capital Region and building a healthy community through excellence in patient care and education. With an 800-bed Regional Medical Center, a dedicated Children’s Hospital, a 78-bed hospital in Gonzales, Louisiana, two freestanding emergency rooms in outlying parishes, and a 600+ provider Physician Group, Our Lady of the Lake Health provides comprehensive healthcare services for common to complex conditions. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is a primary teaching site for graduate medical education programs in partnership with LSU, and is recognized in the areas of heart and vascular, trauma and emergency care, stroke, cancer care, minimally invasive procedures, and more. Our Lady of the Lake is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and is driven by its mission to serve all God’s people, especially those most in need. For more information, visit ololrmc.com.