St. Joseph’s Stroke Care Keeps Getting Better

Syracuse, NY (September 24, 2018) – It makes sense that the top cardiovascular care hospital in the region would also offer nationally recognized cerebrovascular care—specifically, stroke care.




Just a few months after being designated by the NYS Department of Health as a Primary Stroke Center and receiving the Bronze Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get With The Guidelines®” Stroke program, St. Joseph’s Health has now received national certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Primary Stroke Center.




“It is critical for patients suffering from a stroke to get care as quickly as possible, and St. Joseph’s Health has proven that we can provide the best in stroke care,” said Kevin Thomas, M.D., Neurologist, Neurology Section Chief and Medical Director the Stroke Program at St. Joseph’s Health. “It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. The rapid evaluation, transportation, and coordination of care provided by our stroke team members can preserve precious brain tissue and improve the outcomes of our stroke patients. “




The DNV GL Healthcare Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.




“As the number one hospital for cardiac care in the region, we fully understand each of the heart disease factors that create increased risk for stroke,” said Fahed Saada, M.D., Neurologist with St. Joseph’s Health. “St. Joseph’s consistently works to help reduce heart disease and stroke risk in our community. But if someone does suffer from a stroke, it is critical to get that patient to a hospital with expert understanding of these nuances for stroke care, like St. Joseph’s Health.”




It is also important for the family member, friend or paramedic to note the time of the first symptom of the patient’s stroke, as this information can affect treatment decisions. The common acronym that is used to identify the most common symptoms of a stroke is F.A.S.T. According to the National Stroke Association, this stands for:




Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?


Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?


Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?


Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.




Being able to recognize a stroke, call 9-1-1, and get the patient to a hospital quickly can help improve the patient’s recovery. For more information about St. Joseph’s Health Stroke Care, visit www.sjhsyr.org.






About St. Joseph’s Health


St. Joseph’s Health is a regional non-profit health care system based in Syracuse, NY. Offering primary, specialty and home care, a Magnet-recognized hospital, and collaboration with community partners, St. Joseph's Health advances the well-being of the communities we serve through an expanding range of services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. St. Joseph’s is ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, a designated Stroke Center, a U.S. News “Best Regional Hospital” and the only hospital in Onondaga County to be awarded an ‘A’ rating by Leapfrog® Hospital Safety Grades. St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s Physicians, and is a member of Trinity Health.




About DNV GL Healthcare


DNV GL is a world-leading certification body that helps businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services. Within healthcare, DNV GL helps its customers achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety through hospital accreditation, disease-specific certifications and quality management training. The DNV GL operates in more than 100 countries. Our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping its customers make the world safer, smarter and greener. For more information about DNV GL - Healthcare, visit www.dnvglhealthcare.com.