Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services announced today that it received Acute Stroke Ready Certification from DNV-GL,  its hospital accrediting agency, effective May 24, 2017. The Acute Stroke Ready Certification Program of DNV-GL Healthcare USA, Inc. integrates certain requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation for Hospitals, and Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and Recommendations of the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association.

As an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASR), this certification demonstrates RMCHCS’ commitment to excellence by complying with standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients when rapid action and proper medications can save lives and limit the long-term disabling effects of strokes. RMCHCS has the infrastructure and capability to care for acute stroke, including administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (also known as tissue plasminogen activator “tPA” or alteplase).

“Our staff has undergone months of extensive training to achieve this recognition,” said Paula Hartog, RMCHCS Emergency Department Director and Stroke Coordinator.  “This means that our hospital is now certified to treat and care for patients who, in the past, would have needed transport to stroke centers out of our region. We are very excited to provide this service here in Gallup.”

ASR facilities become part of a region’s larger stroke system of care in which the hospital is equipped to evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency care to patients with acute stroke symptoms.

This certification is a major achievement for the hospital and this region, and will be renewed every three years.

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services (RMCHCS) is a 501(c) (3) healthcare network serving McKinley County. RMCHCS’ mission is to serve God by making a profound and lasting difference in the health and quality of life for all people in the community. Accredited  by DNV-GL,  the College of American Pathologists and the American College of Radiologists, RMCHCS offers a wide range of medical and diagnostic services including a 69-bed acute care hospital, medical practice clinics, home health and hospice services, behavioral health services and a residential addictions program. The RMCHCS Hospital is the only non-government hospital in McKinley County.

By Cynthia Dyer

RMCHCS Director of Marketing