Inspira Medical Centers Elmer, Mullica Hill, and Vineland Receive Nationally Recognized Stroke Certifications

Mullica Hill, NJ (August 29, 2024) – Inspira Medical Centers Mullica Hill and Vineland are proud to announce their re-certification as Primary Stroke Centers by DNV Healthcare. DNV has also re-certified Inspira Medical Center Elmer as Acute Stroke Ready. These designations underscore Inspira’s comprehensive capabilities and clinical excellence in managing a wide array of stroke-related medical conditions and reducing the risk of long-lasting effects, such as movement and language difficulties.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, claiming nearly 130,000 lives each year, and is a major cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Prompt and effective treatment of stroke, which impairs blood flow to the brain, can save lives and significantly reduce the likelihood of long-term damage.

The stroke team at Inspira urges anyone experiencing stroke symptoms such as confusion, difficultly speaking, numbness or weakness in a hand or leg, or difficulty walking, to call 911 immediately.

“Achieving DNV Primary Stroke Center Re-Certification for Mullica Hill and Vineland and Acute Stroke Ready Re-Certification for Elmer speaks to the unwavering commitment to excellence in stroke care demonstrated every day by the teams at Inspira Health,” said Terri Veneziano, Chief Nursing Officer for Inspira Health. "As we continue to grow our Neuroscience Program to better serve our community, clinical excellence and patient safety will remain the foundational elements upon which we build."

The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that Inspira Mullica Hill and Vineland address the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. Inspira Medical Center Elmer’s Acute Stroke Ready Certification demonstrates excellence in care for the initial treatment of stroke patients, when rapid action and proper medications are of utmost importance.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Kelly Proctor, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Staff readiness and the carefully coordinated stroke response by specially designated teams allow patients to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated quickly, when every minute counts. 

“I was immediately surrounded by a team of health care workers. They took me right past the desk and into a room in the Emergency Department,” recalled 82-year-old June Seltner, who was diagnosed and treated for a stroke at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill in 2023. “They started an IV and blood work within minutes. It was the most efficient thing I have ever seen.”

Seltner, who gave permission for her story to be shared, was treated with a powerful blood thinning medication and is back to her active lifestyle.

Initially certified in 2021 for a three-year term, Inspira underwent a rigorous re-certification process with DNV, including thorough evaluations of patient outcomes, processes, care quality, and patient care environments. Receiving re-certification is a testament to the dedication demonstrated by the Mullica Hill, Vineland, and Elmer teams to deliver high-quality stroke care.