KERNERSVILLE, N.C. – Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center has leveled up its stroke care capabilities by earning a Primary Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission. The hospital, previously designated as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, is one of 10 Novant Health stroke-certified centers in North Carolina.
The Joint Commission developed its stroke certification program in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to recognize hospitals that follow evidence-based practices in stroke care.
“We’re here to serve our community through every season of life, including the unexpected moments,” said Nicole Brenner, president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center. “Whether it’s welcoming a baby into the world or treating a patient with a life-threatening stroke, our team is prepared to deliver expert care when it matters most.”
Kernersville Medical Center was already equipped to provide emergency stroke care, but the new primary stroke center designation adds around-the-clock access to stroke clinicians, a dedicated critical care unit and the latest in advanced diagnostic, treatment and recovery technologies. Patients now have bedside and virtual access to neurologists and intensive care physicians, as well as tele-health specialty services such as tele-ICU and tele-stroke. The hospital also uses Viz.ai, an artificial intelligence program that allows stroke specialists to quickly review brain scans and determine next steps in treatment.
What patients can expect
While patients with suspected stroke are en route to the hospital, a rapid response team is activated and ready to begin immediate treatment. At Novant Health, the multidisciplinary stroke team includes emergency clinicians, interventional radiologists, neurosurgeons and stroke-trained therapists.
After diagnosis with a CT scan, a clot-busting medication may be administered to restore blood flow to the brain. In many cases, this intravenous treatment is enough to quickly clear the blocked artery and stabilize the patient.
Patients who need more advanced procedures are transferred to nearby Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, a Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. There, stroke specialists provide the highest level of stroke surgical care, including mechanical thrombectomies and endovascular procedures.
At discharge, patients may be referred to a Novant Health Stroke Bridge Clinic for outpatient rehabilitation, recovery support and risk-reduction strategies to prevent another stroke.
Best-in-class care
Three Novant Health hospitals in the Triad region – Forsyth Medical Center, Kernersville Medical Center and Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center – were recently recognized by the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines quality achievement awards for consistently delivering high-quality, coordinated care for patients experiencing heart failure and stroke. Novant Health is also recognized for industry-leading response times in stroke care. For more information about stroke services, visit NovantHealth.org/Stroke.
The Novant Health Neurosciences Institute also specializes in diagnosing back and neck pain, headaches, brain injuries and tumors, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, visit NovantHealth.org/Neuro.
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About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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