Bassett Awarded Prestigious Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Medical Center announced today that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification.

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.

“With stroke as the fifth leading cause of death in the US, providing the highest standards of stroke care to our rural communities is absolutely essential,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “We are honored to receive this certification recognizing our commitment to our patients. Congratulations to every member of our dedicated and tireless stroke care team.”

“As a rural primary stroke center, Bassett Medical Center serves an area the size of Connecticut with assistance from Bassett’s five affiliate hospitals that all provide emergent stroke care and can transfer to a higher level of care, when necessary,” said Jo-Ann Vass, RN, Bassett’s Stroke Program Coordinator. “In addition to the neurologists on staff here at Bassett Medical Center, we have a very successful telemedicine partnership with Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, providing 24/7 neurology specialists on-call.” 

“We congratulate Bassett for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

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.