Chicago-based think tank NeuStrategy has named The Nebraska Medical Center a Stroke Center of Excellence for 2008. The designation comes after a survey looking at 68 hospitals in 22 states.

"This study reinforces how the right hospital choice can significantly reduce a stroke patient’s risk of death or long term disability," said Glenn Fosdick, FACHE, President and CEO of The Nebraska Medical Center. "We’re proud of the study’s results and its recognition of the extraordinary care given to stroke patients here at The Nebraska Medical Center."

The NeuStrategy study found that designated Stroke Centers of Excellence are different in their approach to care. Certified stroke centers are 50 percent more likely to have a dedicated stroke care unit where doctors, nurses and medical technicians receive continuing education in their specialties. That means patients may have fewer complications and be able to leave the hospital sooner.

KPTM Reports Stroke Center Named "Center of Excellence"

When patients do leave, certified stroke centers are more likely to provide comprehensive follow-up care.

"Knowledge about stroke has increased greatly in recent years," said Pierre Fayad, M.D., Medical Director for the Stroke Center at The Nebraska Medical Center. "The care for stroke is so demanding; it requires emergency attention by several physicians and medical providers."

The stroke team at The Nebraska Medical Center is poised to help patients seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The goal is to treat patients as soon as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms. Time is critical, according to Dr. Fayad.

"There are significant time constraints and care requirements for stroke patients. We have protocols and processes for reliable and efficient responses," Dr. Fayad said. "We are proud to be among the top hospitals in the United States to carry out those processes in a consistent fashion."

The Nebraska Medical Center is home to Nebraska’s first, and Omaha’s only nationally certified stroke center dedicated to the prevention and management of stroke. In addition to the Center of Excellence designation from NeuStrategy, the stroke center has received the “Gold Seal of Approval” from the Joint Commission.