Tri-State Memorial Hospital has been re-designated as a Level II Stroke and Level II Cardiac facility through the Washington State Department of Health.

The designation demonstrates the extraordinary expertise of Tri-State Memorial Hospital’s caregivers in the treatment of stroke and heart attack patients. It ensures that cardiac and stroke patients receive the best possible care in some of the most critical health related situations. Stroke is the number five cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. 

“We are very proud to be recognized at the state level with the skills to provide stroke and cardiac patients with exceptional care,” said Michelle Schmidt, ER Supervisor and Trauma/Stroke/Cardiac Program Manager. “Our staff continues to strive for excellence in the treatment of every stroke and cardiac patient who comes through our doors. This designation further reinforces that our stroke and cardiac care is administered promptly and safely. It shows that we are making a difference in the lives of patients we serve.”

Patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain, may receive the clot busting medication tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). A door-to-needle time (time of arrival to time of receiving TPA) of less than 60 minutes is the benchmark for achieving rapid treatment with intravenous TPA. Tri-State Emergency Department has attained a 2020 median door to needle time of 39 minutes. This door to needle time proves that Tri-State Memorial Hospital is a leading facility that offers fast and efficient treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients. Fast door to needle times ensures patients have the best chance of recovery and minimizes permanent brain tissue damage.

The Tri-State Emergency Department is staffed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, by in-house emergency room physicians, and highly qualified, specially trained nursing staff. The department is a twelve-bed unit.