Rapides Regional Medical Center has been re-certified as a “Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center.”

The Advanced Primary Stroke Center at Rapides Regional Medical Center has been continually certified since 2009. Every two years, it must undergo review by The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 17,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

Rapides Regional is one of 11 hospitals in Louisiana with a certified stroke center, and the only Advanced Primary Stroke Center in Central Louisiana with neurosurgeons on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“This certification is the result of hard work and cooperation through several disciplines at Rapides Regional Medical Center,” said Cynthia Cimini, RN, BSN, the Coordinator of Cardiovascular Quality Initiatives at Rapides Regional. “This certification means that we are specialized in stroke care. We offer a full range of care, from the minute the patient comes through our door to discharge. Our processes are based on all the recommended guidelines for the best possible outcomes.”

The Advanced Primary Stroke Center at Rapides Regional Medical Centers treats about 44 diagnosed stroke per month and averages about 21 diagnosed TIA patients per month.