UK HealthCare

The Medical Center at Bowling Green Joins UK HealthCare Stroke Network

LEXINGTON, Ky.  (Dec. 4, 2014) – UK HealthCare has announced that The Medical Center at Bowling Green has become the newest member of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network, a community-based stroke initiative providing the highest quality clinical and educational programs to hospital staff and the community. The Medical Center is the only hospital in south central and Western Kentucky to join the network that includes 25 affiliate hospitals.

“This affiliation with the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network will enhance The Medical Center’s ability to carry out our mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Connie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Health Corporation, parent company of The Medical Center. “Through collaboration with affiliate members, we will ensure patients in South central Kentucky have access to the most advanced stroke treatment and prevention.”

As part of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network, the medical center will continue to be a first-line stroke treatment center. The collaboration will allow for the sharing of best practices and outcomes data to promote continuous quality improvement in stroke care.

“By educating members of the community and Emergency Medical Services personnel in the region, we work together to provide valuable information about recognizing the signs of stroke and the importance of early treatment,” said Dr. Michael R. Dobbs, director of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network. “Our affiliate hospitals teach us about their communities and their patients. Meanwhile, we provide access to the resources and knowledge we have as an academic medical center.”

The Medical Center is the first hospital that was already designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission before joining the network. Other hospitals in the network obtained their Primary Stroke Center designation after becoming affiliates of the network.

“Primary Stroke Center designation by The Joint Commission is testament to the outstanding stroke care already provided by The Medical Center for stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” said Smith. “This affiliation will further enhance the stroke care we provide by allowing us to tap into the resources and expertise of other affiliate members.”

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