DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center certification awarded to HCA Florida Northwest Hospital

Margate, FL — HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the state’s largest healthcare system, has earned certification from DNV Healthcare USA Inc. as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, recognizing the hospital’s ability to deliver advanced stroke care, including the capability to perform life-saving clot-removal procedures.

The DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center Certification is awarded for a three-year term and is built on the rigorous standards of the DNV NIAHO® Hospital Accreditation Program, the CMS Conditions of Participation, the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, the Brain Attack Coalition guidelines, and the American Stroke Association® recommendations. Achieving this certification demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to excellence in early stroke identification, rapid treatment, ongoing quality improvement, and adherence to internationally recognized best practices. HCA Florida Northwest Hospital will undergo an annual survey to maintain this advanced designation.

“This certification reflects the dedication of our entire clinical team and our commitment to delivering the highest level of stroke care to our community,” said Kenneth Jones, CEO, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital. “Being recognized as a DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center reinforces our ability to provide rapid, advanced treatment when every second counts.”

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. According to the CDC, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes significantly increase risk — conditions that affect nearly one-third of adults nationwide.

“Earning DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center Certification signals a hospital’s deep commitment to quality, safety, and continuous performance improvement,” said Dr. Ram Chavali, neurointerventionalist at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital. “HCA Florida Northwest Hospital has demonstrated the structures, systems, and clinical excellence required to deliver advanced stroke care to its patients.”

HCA Florida Northwest Hospital continues to expand its neuroscience, cardiovascular, surgical, and emergency services to meet the growing needs of the community, ensuring patients have access to high-quality, life-saving care close to home.