Both Spartanburg Medical Center and Pelham Medical Center are Primary Stroke Centers, accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
What Happens at Our Stroke Centers
When you get to one of our certified stroke centers, our stroke experts may order tests when a patient is admitted such as:
- A CT Scan takes a picture of your brain
- An EKG reads the rhythm of your heart
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Medications prescribed to help prevent clots from forming
- Surgery may be needed
What Happens After I Receive Care
As a patient, you may receive medication. Remember to:
- Continue all medication as your doctor has ordered.
- Know your medications and ask questions about new medications.
- Never stop taking a medication without first talking with your doctor.
- Update your medication list with all new medication and changes.
- Know any possible side effects to look for and what to do if you have any.
As a patient, you may have also received instructions on rehabilitation activities and change of diet:
- Continue with rehab therapy or activities as approved by your healthcare team.
- Drive only if approved by your physician.
- Continue diet ordered as approved by your healthcare team.
Primary Stroke Certifications
Spartanburg Medical Center (SMC) and Pelham Medical Center (PMC), both divisions of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, are Primary Stroke Centers, accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
In 2005, SMC was the first healthcare provider in SC to become certified as a Primary Stroke Center, and PMC was received accreditation in 2016 and was Greer’s first Primary Stroke Center. The certification serves as a standard for excellence in stroke care. It is based on quality-driven stroke protocols and processes to ensure patients receive timely and efficient care that fosters better outcomes.
An HFAP Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on quality-driven stroke processes in the care program. The certification is based on evidence-based, nationally established standards. A certified stroke center allows patients to receive the best possible care from the time a stroke happens through recovery. Stroke centers have quality-guided protocols and processes in place to allow rapid identification and timely treatment of stroke, which help reduce disability.
The HFAP initiated the Primary Stroke Certification in 2006 using recommendations from the Brain Attack Coalition as the foundation for its standards. Moving forward, the HFAP has also endorsed the American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” tool for patient management and performance measuring.
The HFAP is one of only three national voluntary accreditation programs authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to survey hospitals for compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation and Coverage.
