NEWTON – The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has certified Newton Memorial Hospital as a Primary Stroke Center, based on Newton Memorial’s advanced capabilities and protocols for the rapid, effective treatment of stroke patients.

“Delays in the delivery of the treatment of stroke patients is literally a matter of life and death,” Newton Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Senker said. “People who live and work in Sussex County, Warren County or Pike County, PA, can take comfort in knowing that the local healthcare provider of choice in their region is the home of a state-designated Primary Stroke Center.”

Newton Memorial is the only hospital in Sussex County, Warren County or Pike County, PA to earn certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

Primary Stroke Center designation means Newton Memorial Hospital has met strict state guidelines for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke by specially trained medical professionals, and follows established national standards for stroke care that improves outcomes for patients.

At Newton Memorial, a Code Purple is called when a suspected acute-stroke patient is being brought to the Hospital. This code rapidly brings together a team that evaluates, stabilizes and provides emergency care to that patient within moments. Then, depending on the patient’s medical needs, he or she is admitted to the Hospital for inpatient care or transferred to our comprehensive stroke center.

To achieve Primary Stroke Center status, NMH had to meet several criteria, including:

• Having a specially trained, multi-disciplinary acute stroke team available around the clock, ready to see patients in less than 15 minutes;
• Being staffed by physicians and nurses with advanced training in stroke care;
• Always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans;
• Providing rehabilitation services for stroke patients; and
• Offering community education about the risk factors and early symptoms of stroke.

Quick diagnosis and treatment are critical for minimizing the effects of a stroke, which can include paralysis, slurred speech and cognitive impairment,” said Newton Memorial Hospital Stroke Program co-Medical Director and Board Certified Neurologist, Yevgeniy Khesin, M.D. “With this designation, state and national authorities have acknowledged that stroke care has reached a new level here and our patients will benefit from our commitment to providing the best possible care in a community setting.”