During the pandemic, Valley Hospital Medical Center has implemented many processes and protocols to help ensure the health and safety of patients, physicians, staff and the community.

These measures include:

• Greeters screening all patients, visitors, staff and physicians entering our hospital with temperature checks for everyone
• Required universal masking for anyone entering the facility
• Advanced cleaning technology with UV lights and deep cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Social distancing whenever possible
• Establishment of guidelines and treatment protocols for caring for COVID-19 patients

These implemented changes ensure every patient is safe and provided the highest level of care.

Valley Hospital Medical Center CEO, Claude Wise understands why some people might be scared and afraid to visit their healthcare provider due to COVID-19 but emphasizes the importance of seeking care when needed.

“Our hospital is safe and ready to care for you. We do not want to see people avoiding physicians and hospitals that could have long-term negative consequences on people’s health and well-being.”

It is especially important to seek care when someone might be having a stroke. According to the American Stroke Association:

• Stroke is the 5^th leading cause of death in the United States
• Every year, approx. 795,000 individuals have a stroke in the United States
• That means every 40 seconds someone has a stroke
• Additionally, someone dies every 4 minutes from stroke – about 140,000 Americans each year

Early action can make a difference. That is why it is important to know the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke. 

Remember B.E.F.A.S.T

B – Balance – Sudden loss of balance, severe vertigo
E – Eyes – Loss of vision in one or both eyes, onset of double vision
F – Face – Uneven or drooping face, drooling
A – Arm – Loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body in the arm and/or leg 
S – Speech – Slurring of speech, difficulty saying words or understanding what is being said, sudden confusion
T – Terrible Headache – Very severe headache that has maximum intensity within seconds to minutes

Wise adds, “The treatment window for stoke is very limited which is why every minute is important. We recommend that you call 911 and/or visit the Emergency Department right away.”

Valley Hospital Medical Center is part of a select group of hospital providers focused on complex stroke care, providing advanced technology, resources, staff and training to diagnose and treat people with the most complex types of stroke. In fact, the hospital recently received certification as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center from The Joint Commission. Valley is  one of only three Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Las Vegas and the only Comprehensive Stroke facility in Nevada to receive this designation and have a neurology residency program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or (ACGME).  In fact,  there are only 208 Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the United States.  

Whether providing advanced, life-saving treatment for heart attack or stroke or emergency care, the physicians, nurses and staff at Valley Hospital Medical Center are delivering trusted, quality patient care every hour, every day, as well as a superior healthcare experience.

Photo:  Valley Hospital has achieved The Joint Commission (TJC) Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. The designation offers the ability to provide the highest and most advanced levels of stroke treatment available to our community and beyond. Thanks to Valley’s Comprehensive Stroke team, Emergency Department, Leadership, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Agrawal, Dr. Janda, AMR, MedicWest, Clark County Fire, Mercy Air, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue and Community Ambulance for their dedication and support.