Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South nationally recognized for stroke care

Hendrick Medical Center (HMC) and Hendrick Medical Center South (HMCS) recently received certifications from DNV, affirming readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical conditions.

DNV certified HMC as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, and HMCS was certified as a Primary Stroke Center. Among HMC’s stroke services is 24/7 availability of thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a clot causing an ischemic stroke.

The DNV certifications also allowed both hospitals to attain stroke designations from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). HMC achieved Advanced (Level II) Stroke Facility designation, making it the highest-level stroke center between Fort Worth and Lubbock. HMCS earned a Primary (Level III) Stroke Facility designation.

“The DSHS designations and DNV certifications demonstrate to the region that Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,” said Martee Tebow, Hendrick Health Stroke Program manager. “This recognition reflects a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes.”

Standards established by Brain Attack Coalition and American Stroke Association are the basis for the DNV certifications. The certifications affirm that the Abilene hospitals provide comprehensive stroke care, covering diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education. Hendrick Health hospitals also participate in the national Get With The Guidelines Stroke Registry, which uses clear metrics to evaluate outcomes and benchmark against stroke hospitals across the United States.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And, it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke – or “brain attack” – affects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and offer the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

About Hendrick Health
Hendrick Health is a locally owned healthcare system in Abilene, Texas, directed by a local, volunteer board and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Guided by a Christian mission to serve all, Hendrick Health operates three tertiary-care facilities – Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene and Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood in Brownwood – and Hendrick Clinic, a multi-specialty medical group of physicians and other advanced professional providers. The health system’s roots date to September 15, 1924, with the dedication of West Texas Baptist Sanitarium. Since then, the hospital has evolved and grown to transform the region’s healthcare. Hendrick Health today employs approximately 5,400 to serve 400,000 residents in 24 counties, a landmass representing 9% of the state. The health system provided $35.2 million in charity care in 2024.

About DNV
DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks and drives innovative solutions. DNV draws on its wide technical and industry expertise to help companies worldwide build consumer and stakeholder trust. For more information about DNV, visit dnvcert.com/healthcare.