Ascension Seton Williamson is now a Primary Plus Stroke Center

Ascension Seton Williamson has received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to take care of a full range of stroke-related medical conditions. The most advanced stroke center from Temple to Austin, the hospital now offers acute stroke care, including thrombectomies and endovascular services, close to home for patients in Williamson County and the surrounding communities 24/7, 365 days a year.
The clinical care expansion at Ascension Seton Williamson is supported by stroke specialists across Ascension Seton’s network of care.

The DNV GL Healthcare certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and World Stroke Association, and declares that Ascension Seton Williamson addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“This certification provides our community with additional reassurance of the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care close to home,” said Dr. Steven Warach, director of the stroke program at Ascension Seton. “It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. This includes the ability to efficiently transfer patients in the rare instances they require treatment beyond our capabilities.”

The advanced certification includes all the requirements of the Primary Stroke Center Certification with the addition of the thrombectomy, medical staff and metric requirements. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate care. As the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, it is important to have local access to treatment at the first sign of a stroke. Rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

“Timing is critical in treating a stroke. With this advanced certification, we are prepared to respond quickly, helping to reduce the damage caused by a stroke,” explained Dr. Michael Koltz, neurosurgeon at Ascension Seton Williamson. “Delaying care, even by a few minutes, can be the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Ascension Seton Williamson stroke specialists are trained in the latest technology and best practices, which helps us diagnose a stroke within seconds to quickly deliver treatment and improve patient outcomes.”

The hospital continues to make ongoing investments in technology and clinical program expansions. This includes the addition of an orthopedic robot program, featuring the MAKO robot which offers minimally invasive hip and knee replacement. Ascension Seton Williamson will celebrate the grand opening of a hybrid catheterization lab with advanced equipment and capabilities later this year, and expansion of its 6th floor, complete with the addition of 30 beds for a flexible care space, later this year.

Additionally, Ascension Texas has made a significant investment in North Austin plans to build a new children’s hospital and medical office building. The new hospital in North Austin, along with planned expansions at Dell Children’s Medical Center and the recently announced Dell Children’s Specialty Pavilion, are part of a comprehensive, ongoing plan to continue expanding pediatric care in Central Texas over the next five years and beyond.