Kudos for Stroke Care

Certification signals high standards

As part of an effort to prevent the devastating effects of stroke in San Diego, Scripps Green Hospital has achieved a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certification from the Joint Commission—the nation’s leading accrediting body in health care.


“This designation is a seal of approval from the Joint Commission,” said Mary Kalafut, M.D., stroke program director at Scripps Green Hospital. “It demonstrates to our community that the care we provide meets the specialized needs of stroke patients.”


When it comes to stroke care, a rapid response is critical. The treatment window is narrow. Immediate recognition of symptoms and appropriate treatment can save brain cells and lives—and a lot of lives are on the line.


Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Every three minutes, someone dies from one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is the third leading cause of death in the nation, and the leading cause of serious long-term disability.


In order to become a certified PSC, Green Hospital had to prove it follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve long-term outcomes for stroke patients. “We developed a multidisciplinary stroke response team and put protocols in place that allow us to assess and treat the patient as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Kalafut. “The steps we’ve taken make sure we provide rapid and state-of-the-art stroke care.”


Warning Signs of a Stroke


  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause


A stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate recognition of symptoms and appropriate care can prevent disability and save lives.


Source: American Stroke Association

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