Portsmouth, NH – Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) announced that it recently received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events. Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state of New Hampshire.

A Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) accreditation means that Portsmouth Regional Hospital has the personnel, infrastructure, and expertise to diagnose and treat stroke patients who require intensive medical and surgical care, specialized tests, or interventional therapies.

“A CSC delivers the highest quality of care to the most complex cases, including those suffering a hemorrhagic or large ischemic strokes,” said Dean Carucci, Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Regional Hospital. “This certification is a reflection of the relentless focus, work, and dedication of so many Portsmouth providers and staff over the past five years.  The Seacoast community and those living in New Hampshire will benefit greatly from such highly specialized care being in the community in which they call home.”

The DNV GL Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the hospital addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Patrick Horine, Chief Executive Officer of DNV GL Healthcare. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the timeliest and most appropriate care.