December 12, 2025 – 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.
About HCA Florida Healthcare:
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated care sites, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and more than 79,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care to more than 8.6 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $848.8 million in uncompensated care and contributes $2.1 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, an award-winning 289-bed acute care hospital, has served communities across northern Broward County and South Florida for 40 years. HCA Florida Northwest Hospital provides award-winning care using the latest state-of-the-art advancements in medical technology with a focus on excellence in patient safety and care experience. A Joint Commission-accredited hospital and primary stroke center, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is known for its heart and vascular care; women’s services – including maternity care – and the only Level III NICU in northern Broward County; 24/7 emergency medicine; minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery; orthopedic, spine and neurological care, and more.
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida. With an employee base of 77,000, HCA Florida Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 49 hospital campuses and more than 450 other care sites.
