Clayton hospital can treat stroke patients

Southern Regional Health System is now the first hospital on metro Atlanta’s Southside to be accredited to treat stroke patients.

The Joint Commission, a national health care accrediting body, issued the primary stroke center certification to the Riverdale hospital this week, hospital spokeswoman Kari Hilyer said. The certification is backed by the American Stroke Association.

The certification means the 331-bed hospital meets high national care standards and possesses critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke victims,

Southern Regional spent 18 months working with paramedics from Clayton, Henry and Fayette to develop a system of quick identification, transport and treatment of stroke victims.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, said Edward Bonn, the hospital’s president and chief executive officer.