Each year approximately 795,000 people will experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the third leading cause of death in America. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability with more than 6 million stroke survivors alive today, affecting 4 out of 5 American families. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.

“This national recognition provides an important, independent evaluation and confirmation of our commitment to excellence,” says Joanne E. Allen, President and CEO of Saint Louise Regional Hospital. “We are proud to be the first designated Primary Stroke Center in South County.”

“Saint Louise Regional Hospital voluntarily pursued this comprehensive review of its stroke program to confirm the success that we are committed in patient care,” says Marilyn Gerrior, Chief Nurse Officer of Saint Louise Regional. “Our stroke program launched in October 2010, Saint Louise and the stroke care team consisting of telemedicine and emergency room physicians, stroke coordinator and nurses focused the entire Hospital on achieving excellent results for our patients.”

Joanne Allen, President and CEO stated, “Receiving this advanced certification and designation as a Primary Stroke Center reflects the success of our approach to multidisciplinary, patient-centered care at Saint Louise and is a wonderful external confirmation of our team environment.”

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program -the nation’s first – in 2003. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

For more information about stroke symptoms or prevention, please call Saint Louise Regional Hospital Stroke Coordinator (408) 848-4946.

Please click here to see our seminars for 2012.

Bringing extensive experience to his new position, Dr. Omron offers both comprehensive inpatient and outpatient assessment of the entire spectrum of lung disease, breathing problems, and sleep disorders. Dr. Omron’s practice specializes in the treatment of asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and critical illness.

For Dr. Omron’s location, phone number and hours, click here to download a PDF flyer.

The Health Care Heroes Awards, sponsored by The Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal is a new award event and publication that honors some of the highest-ranked hospitals ranging from distinguished health care providers to leading medical device companies in the entire Bay Area. To highlight some of the most prestigious individuals in health care, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal launched their first annual Health Care Heroes Award to recognize leaders in a variety of health care categories from achievement, innovation, dedication, nurse, community, and leadership.

The Daughters of Charity Health System was proud to be a corporate sponsor of this event. President and CEO Joanne Allen was the winner in the Administrator category for her leadership and dedication in South Santa Clara County.  Dr. Thad Padua, pediatrician and medical director from O’Connor Hospital was also a winner in the Physician category for his years of dedication to pediatric patients and founder of the Pediatric Center for Life at O’Connor.