Providing Hope through Award-winning Care
Stroke can cause a range of disabilities – from problems walking and balancing to memory disturbances and even paralysis – but thanks to advances in treatment and rehabilitation, the outlook for stroke patients today is more hopeful than ever before.
At Baptist Health, our physicians and staff work as an interdisciplinary team, partnering with patients and their families to provide the best possible care. Through a range of progressive services, we help patients return to their communities, while also helping their families adjust to their diagnosis and any permanent impairments.
Our Mission
In support of our hospital mission, the Stroke Program is committed to improving stroke care and prevention by:
- Providing exemplary clinical care
- Educating staff and patients on stroke recognition, timely treatment and prevention
- Extending our program to provide community education
The Highest Standard of Care
We work to provide each patient with the latest, most effective treatment–a commitment that has earned Baptist Health Stroke Certifications from the DNV, and The Joint Commission for advanced quality care.
Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center certification designates hospitals with advanced technology, infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients of all ages with all types of strokes. In addition to being prepared to treat all types of strokes quicker than non-certified hospitals, we offer:
- 24/7 stroke team access
- Advanced imaging technology and protocols
- Advanced treatment options including thrombolytics and minimally invasive surgery
- Seamless integration with the ER
- A multidisciplinary approach including therapy, pastoral care, and rehabilitation experts
In addition to Joint Commission certification, each hospital has also received additional awards. Both Baptist Health-Little Rock and Baptist Health-Fort Smith have been given the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, while Baptist Health-Fort Smith has also been named a “Top Stroke Center” by the American Heart Association.
Baptist Health Medical Center- Little Rock has earned the Comprehensive Stroke Certification from DNV
Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is the highest level of certification for hospitals with specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases, according to The DNV. To qualify, a hospital must provide 24/7 access to the facilities, equipment and staff necessary to carry out advanced stroke care.
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock underwent a rigorous, two-day onsite review in 2024. During this visit, DNV reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards and commended the stroke team for their outstanding program.
Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification designates hospitals with advanced technology, infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients of all ages with all types of strokes. In addition to being prepared to treat all types of stroke quicker than non-certified hospitals, we offer:
- 24/7 Stroke Team Access
- Advanced imaging technology & protocols
- Advanced treatment options including thrombolytics & minimally invasive surgery
- Seamless integration with the ER
- A multidisciplinary approach including therapy, pastoral care, and rehabilitation experts
- Baptist Health-Little Rock has also been awarded the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award by the American Heart Association.
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Meet Our Team
Baptist Health Medical Center- North Little Rock Stroke Center is a certified Primary Stroke Center certified by DNV. The Primary certification signifies that our hospital has met rigorous standards in stroke care, ensuring our patients receive high level care when it matters most.
Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock was awarded the American Heart Association’s: Get With The Guidelines Silver Plus Award, along with the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll distinction in 2024. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care to patients with stroke and type 2 diabetes. The GWTG Silver Plus award is given to hospitals that have demonstrated at least 12 months of adherence to quality measures designed to improve patient outcomes.
Meet Our Team
Baptist Health Medical Center- Conway is a certified Primary Stroke Center certified by DNV. The Primary certification signifies that our hospital has met rigorous standards in stroke care, ensuring our patients receive high level care when it matters most.
Meet Our Team
Baptist Health-Fort Smith, is recognized by the Joint
Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and provides 24/7/365 access to advanced acute stroke care. Our hospital has the ability to
administer clot busting medication and is equipped to perform thrombectomies for large vessel occlusion strokes, ensuring rapid intervention when every second counts. Fort Smith achieved the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Achievement Award by the American Heart Association. From the ER, ICU, stroke unit, and neurology clinic we work seamlessly to provide a smooth transition from hospital care to follow up treatment, supporting patients throughout their recovery journey. Additionally we offer a monthly Stroke Support Group for survivors, family members, caregivers, hospital employees, and anyone interested in learning more about stroke recovery and care.
Stroke Support Group, Group meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 9 am in the Glass Classroom. Available to attend virtually, scan QR code on flyer.
Recognizing a Stroke
- Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
- Problems with vision such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
- Problems with movement or walking
- Severe headaches with no other known cause
Remember, BE FAST
BE FAST is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you’ll know when you need to call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner the person having a stroke receives medical care, the better their chances of survival and recovery will be.
BE FAST stands for:
Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
Eyes – Is there double vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?
Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.
