Stroke Center

Hudson Valley Hospital Center is a Stroke Center

Letter Received from Health Commissioner

Cortlandt Manor, NY… Hudson Valley Hospital Center has been designated an official stroke center by the State Hospital Review and Planning Council. Approval was given in a letter signed by State of New York, Department of Health Commissioner.

“Congratulations on the achievement of being designated as a stroke center as part of the statewide initiative. I look forward to working with you as we continue to improve the quality of care for stroke patients and to implement best practice standards in New York State,” states Dr. Novello.

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Kathy Webster (left), vice president of patient services, and Maryann Maffei (right), clinical nurse manager in the emergency department at the entrance to new triage rooms in the emergency department where waiting is kept to a minimum. It's a race against the clock when treating stroke patients. The ER staff is specially trained and meet all the requirements demanded by state agencies to qualify as a stroke center.“After much preparation, education, and certifications, the Hospital is equipped to provide a head-start in reducing the likelihood of long-term disabilities associated with stroke,” states John C. Federspiel, Hospital President. “With only a 3-hour window to start treatment, the ability to identify warning signs and getting the person to our emergency room can be a life-saver.” Hudson Valley Hospital Center is the first hospital in upper Westchester/Putnam counties to receive this prestigious stroke designation.

Some warning signs of stroke are:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/coordination; sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Time is essential. Medication for stroke must be given within three hours of the appearance of the first signs and symptoms to limit brain injury.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability.