Stroke Certification

South Pointe Hospital has been designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This signifies that South Pointe Hospital has met stringent national stroke care standards. As a Certified Stroke Center, South Pointe Hospital is held to the highest standards in the areas of quality and patient safety, which means the best care for your family.

In addition, South Pointe Hospital offers some of the most comprehensive stroke care in the region. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest in innovative treatment options, our specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating patients quickly – significantly improving your health situation and recovery time.

At South Pointe Hospital, you will receive superior stroke care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

South Pointe Hospital is one of 16 Cleveland Clinic locations to have earned a stroke certification from The Joint Commission.

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Silver Plus Award

In 2023, South Pointe Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award. This achievement recognizes South Pointe Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing the highest standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. Cleveland Clinic's health system boasts an additional 15 hospitals identified for exceptional care through the Get with the Guidelines® award. 

Stroke – What You Need to Know!

The first three hours after a stroke are the most important, because stroke treatments are proving to be extremely effective when administered as soon as possible after the onset of a stroke. It is crucial that warning signs of a stroke are recognized quickly and that the stroke patient be taken immediately to a Primary Stroke Center such as South Pointe Hospital.

Warning signs of a stroke include:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Sudden unexplained dizziness or lack of balance
  • Sudden vision impairment, especially in one eye
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  • Sudden slurred speech
  • Sudden droop on one side of the face

The National Stroke Association uses the following information to help people act quickly in recognizing symptoms and getting help. It is recommended to " B.E. F.A.S.T.”

B – Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance
E – Eyes: Is there a sudden loss of vision in one of both eyes? Is there double vision?

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech: Ask the person to speak a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T – Time: If you observe any of these signs, immediately call 9-1-1.

Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Support Group

Stroke and brain aneurysms are serious neurological diseases which can leave a person with a wide variety of deficits affecting them physically, cognitively and/or psychologically. The Cerebrovascular Center at Cleveland Clinic is dedicated to helping those affected by strokes and brain aneurysms by offering a support group that focuses on alleviating the effects of the disease through support and education.

Topics discussed vary by meeting, but may include:

  • Rehabilitation challenges.
  • Recurrent stroke prevention.
  • Updates in stroke treatment.
  • Additional support resources.

Participating in a support group allows you to meet others with similar health concerns and issues. It allows you to connect with others in comparable situations and share experiences and coping strategies. Anyone who has suffered a stroke and/or brain aneurysm is welcome to come with or without a family member or support person.

2024 Meetings

  • Second Thursday of the month starting in June.
    • No meeting in December
  • 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Date/Topics

  • August 8th: Physical therapy.
  • September 12th: The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center.
  • October 10th: Research studies.
  • November 14th: Mental health.

Location

Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Conference Room B (8th floor)
5001 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

No registration required. Meetings will be streamed virtually as well as in person. If you're interested in attending virtually or have any other questions, please reach out to Kayla Petricini at strokesupport@ccf.org.

For more information: 216.636.0450