Alfred stroke team receives certification

The certification is achieved by meeting a set of national criteria, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. 
 
Alfred Health Director of Stroke Services Prof Geoffrey Cloud said it was a proud moment for the team.
 
“This is really fantastic validation for our team... the culmination of years of hard work,” he said.
 
“We’re all hugely motivated to do the best for all our patients and it’s incredibly rewarding to have those efforts recognised.”
 
The certification process is recommended by both the World Health Organisation, the World Stroke Organisation and the Federal Government Heart and Stroke Plan as a method of ensuring best possible stroke care.
 
Certification is commonplace in many countries but has never previously occurred in Australia.
 
Stroke Foundation Interim Executive Director, Stroke Services and Research, Kelvin Hill, said the process will improve outcomes for patients.
 
“Treatment on a dedicated stroke unit is proven to make the biggest overall difference of any intervention to patient outcomes following stroke, reducing the risks of both death and disability,” he said.
 
“Both Australian and international evidence suggests that rigorous stroke centre certification programs improve the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes.”
 
In addition to the certification, The Alfred has long been recognised nationally and internationally as a centre for excellence in advanced stroke care.
 
The Alfred treats over 500 stroke patients each year and its staff are constantly striving to excel in stroke standard of care.