After Flawless Review, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill Recertified as Primary Stroke Center

After an on-site review by The Joint Commission, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill earned recertification as a primary stroke center. During the review process, a representative from The Joint Commission observed patient care and interviewed colleagues. The representative provided no recommendations for improvement, a rare accomplishment for hospitals being assessed for primary stroke center reaccreditation.

“The high level of stroke care provided by colleagues at LVH–Schuylkill is something I’m incredibly proud of,” says Kathryn Cheponis, MD, Medical Director, Schuylkill East Stroke Program, LVH–Schuylkill. “What The Joint Commission observed is representative of the compassionate, world-class care our patients experience every single day.”

LVH–Schuylkill was first designated as a Primary Stroke Center in 2019. Hospitals that receive this designation must undergo a review by The Joint Commission every two years.

“Colleagues who provide stroke care at LVH–Schuylkill are nothing short of exceptional and I am incredibly proud what they’ve achieved,” says Terry Purcell, President of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Northwest and President, LVH–Schuylkill. “Leading-edge, lifesaving care that’s close to home is what our patients expect and deserve and it’s what we provide.”   

LVH–Schuylkill provides patients who experience a stroke a dedicated team of experts and high-quality care. All physicians who work in the emergency room receive special training for strokes. They can recognize symptoms, know when to call for stroke care and help manage care for patients who have had a stroke during and after a hospital stay.

LVH–Schuylkill also provides rapid assessment of stroke with imaging and the ability to administer clot-busting medicine if necessary. If further care is needed, patients can be transported to the comprehensive stroke center at LVH–Cedar Crest.