New York State Designates Westchester Medical Center as a Comprehensive Stroke Center

VALHALLA, N.Y. (October 13, 2020) – Access to immediate, expert care as soon as possible when stroke symptoms appear is vital. In fact, the critical period to obtain treatment that can mitigate or prevent long-term disability or death immediately after a stroke is referred to as the "golden hour" by the American Stroke Association.

In recognition of its abilities to handle the most complex stroke cases, the New York State Department of Health recently designated Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. This is the highest stroke care designation given by New York State, making Westchester Medical Center the only hospital in the Hudson Valley recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Earlier this year, Westchester Medical Center also was certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid-approved accreditation organization. In addition, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recognized Westchester Medical Center for stroke care excellence with its 2020 Get with the Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement and Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite awards.

Emergency medical services can be directed to bring a stroke victim to a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Elements of a Comprehensive Stroke Center

As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Westchester Medical Center offers neurointerventional services 24 hours a day, seven days a week along with around-the-clock neurocritical care, neurosurgery and vascular neurology. The hospital's stroke care experts have access to the latest medical technologies for stroke diagnosis and treatment. In order to provide the highest standards of inpatient care, Westchester Medical Center has a state-of-the-art neurointensive care unit staffed by a highly experienced clinical care team as well as step-down and general patient units dedicated to neuroscience patients and stroke treatment. Westchester Medical Center also provides stroke rehabilitation services on campus with stroke support groups and other services available for stroke patients after discharge.

Emergency medical services can be directed to bring a stroke victim to a Comprehensive Stroke Center for expert care, if transport is safe for the individual. Westchester Medical Center encourages the public to learn more about stroke symptoms and to call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of a possible stroke.

WMCHealth Stroke Care in the Hudson Valley

Westchester Medical Center works in collaboration with other WMCHealth member hospitals to administer timely stroke care to Hudson Valley residents. WMCHealth's Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie and HealthAlliance Hospital on Broadway in Kingston are all designated by the New York State Department of Health as Primary Stroke Centers, and each hospital was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in 2020 with its Get with The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.