Stroke Center
Stroke Program
Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) is a Primary Stroke Center which allows us to provide aggressive, proven treatment to minimize the effects of a stroke and prevent further brain damage.
We are proud to have been certified by DNV GL - Healthcare as a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. 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.
Embracing the mission of “Enhancing Life”, Jersey City Medical Center continues to improve the quality of care provided to patients suffering from a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, often called a mini-stroke). Using a team approach, care is planned through the acute phase of a stroke while designing an individualized rehabilitation program. Jersey City Medical Center has received the prestigious American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association Get With the Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for the 7th consecutive year. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence based guidelines.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association,
stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability
in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds;
someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer
a new or recurrent stroke each year. Once a stroke has occurred, time
is critical. Within minutes, brain tissue can be damaged and can lead
to serious, long-term disability or death. In an effort to prevent strokes
from occurring, members of the Stroke Department have gone out into the
community offering stroke education programs that focus on stroke recognition
and prevention. In addition the Stroke Program Coordinator has teamed
up with the Diabetic Educator to offer Diabetic and Cardiovascular teaching
at the hospital during evening hours to local community members.
As a Primary Stroke Center, Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) provides:
- An acute stroke team available 24/7, which includes physicians experienced in diagnosing and treating strokes.
- Coordination of Emergency Medical Service personnel with our Emergency Room (Department) staff in pre-hospital notification of all patients with stroke-like symptoms.
- Emergency Room staff trained in identifying the signs of stroke, making a diagnosis and providing quick intervention.
- A dedicated Stroke Unit for specialized inpatient care and monitoring which assists in providing our patients with excellent stroke care.
- On-going continuing education for all stroke team staff members in care of the stroke patient.
- Health care professionals qualified to recognize and treat patients with stroke or stroke-like symptoms.
- Rehabilitation services for physical, occupational and speech therapies.
SIGNS OF STROKE
Use the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs of stroke, and what to do if someone near you is experiencing them.