Stroke Center

Certified Primary Stroke Center

Bassett Medical Center has been a Stroke Center since 2005, and has earned multiple recognitions in the years following — including The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification in 2023!

Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes hospitals that meet exacting standards to support critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. To achieve this certification, Bassett underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, which are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

In 2022, Bassett was also awarded the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus: Stroke Honor Roll Elite quality achievement for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

What this Means for Patients

For patients, this means that Bassett Medical Center's stroke team is specially-trained and the facility is specially-qualified to treat people who may have suffered a stroke. This is very important, as studies have shown that a comprehensive system for providing rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke in patients admitted to the emergency department is crucial to patient outcomes. 

Being a designated Stroke Center means that nurses, physician assistants, and others on our stroke team have completed additional training in the management, diagnosis, and care of patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke. The teams meet their patient upon arrival in any Bassett Healthcare Network Emergency & Trauma Services Department and begin the evaluation for appropriate care. Other members of the team, including a neurologist, work with the patient throughout the patient's hospitalization at any network site. Bassett Healthcare Network also provides a full continuum of after-stroke care, to help patients maximize all of their opportunities to return to good health.

About Stroke

Stroke is the nation's No. 4 killer and a leading cause of disability. Stroke doesn't discriminate – it affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke and approximately 137,000 will die from it. On average, every four minutes someone dies of stroke. Additionally, people with high blood pressure (140/90+) have about twice the risk of stroke as people with normal blood pressure (120/80). When it comes to treating stroke, fast and appropriate treatment is crucial to the patient's ability to survive and have the best possible outcome. Fast and appropriate treatment are the key words.

"The Bassett Stroke Center has established a communication process with EMS providers for the rapid transport and treatment of stroke patients," said Paul Deringer, MD, Medical Director of the Bassett Stroke Center. "Every minute counts in the case of stroke," added Deringer. "Just as time is muscle in the case of heart attack, time is brain in the case of stroke. That's why it is so important to call 9-1-1 immediately."

The shorter the time from the start of a stroke to treatment, the better the chances of recovery. Bassett Medical Center has received national recognition for its high standard of stroke care. You will receive rapid diagnosis and treatment at our designated stroke center, providing you with the best opportunity for recovery.

Deringer also stresses the importance of secondary prevention of stroke, as patients who have had a stroke or mini-stroke are at high risk of having another. Secondary prevention measures include smoking cessation, cholesterol-lowering medications and the use of antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs.