In 2021, Hunterdon Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. Hunterdon Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® because the hospital meets and exceeds rigorous standards and performance measures for patients experiencing a stroke. Achievement of this certification signifies that Hunterdon Medical Center provides the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

Additionally, since 2008 Hunterdon Healthcare’s Emergency Department has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. This designation is based on Hunterdon’s comprehensive capabilities to rapidly identify, evaluate and treat stroke patients. Our healthcare professionals are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. Board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons are on call at all times.

Because immediate care is critical to a stroke patient’s survival and recovery, Hunterdon Healthcare utilizes sophisticated TeleNeurology services to immediately connect stroke patients with a neurological specialist.  Using this audio/video device allows our emergency department physicians to have our on-call neurologist remote into the room from anywhere to help evaluate the patient.  This device allows the physician to conduct the same interactive neurologic exam as if they were physically in the room with the patient.  During the consultation, the emergency physician relays the findings and shares images so both specialists can discuss the best treatment plan for the patient. 

Since stroke is considered among the most serious medical emergencies, prompt and aggressive emergency treatment can save lives and minimize brain injury.  Bleeding (hemorrhagic) strokes and ischemic strokes can have similar characteristics.  Ischemic strokes which account for approximately 85% of all strokes occur when blood flow in the brain is blocked.  State-of-the-art neuroimaging services, including computerized tomography (or CT) brain scans and laboratory services, are available 24/7. One of the most important treatments for stroke, a potent medication which dissolves clots, can only be injected within 3-4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. .

As a designated Primary Stroke Center by the New Jersey Department of Health, the Joint Commission, and the American Heart & Stroke Association, Hunterdon Medical Center meets the standards and performance requirements in caring for stroke patients and offers the most current treatments.

Signs of Stroke

Please note that not all the warning signs occur in every stroke and every stroke may look different.  Any of these signs or symptoms may be that of stroke.

Stroke is considered a medical emergency. If you think someone may be having a stroke, B.E.F.A.S.T. and do this simple test. Call 9-1-1 immediately:

• Balance: Is the person off-balance or dizzy?
• Eyes: Is the person experiencing double vision, blurred vision or other disturbance?
• 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 sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
• Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms call 9-1-1.  Time lost is brain lost.

Stroke Symptoms

• 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 or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache

Do not ignore signs of a stroke, even if they go away. Check the time. It’s important to note when the first warning sign or symptom starts. You’ll be asked this important question later.

If you are with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t delay seeking treatment. Insist on taking prompt action.

Rehabilitation and Home Health Care

From acute care in the Emergency Department to rehabilitation and home health services, Hunterdon Healthcare has developed a sophisticated protocol to follow stroke patients through recovery, every step of the way. Patients at Hunterdon have access to rehabilitative treatment to help restore physical capabilities, as well as Home Health and Supportive Services to ease the return home.

Additional information about stroke is available by visiting the American Stroke Association’s website at www.strokeassociation.org.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1

Rehabilitation and Home Health Care

From acute care in the Emergency Department through rehabilitation and home health services, Hunterdon Healthcare has developed a sophisticated protocol to follow stroke patients through recovery, every step of the way. Patients at Hunterdon have access to rehabilitative treatment to help restore physical capabilities, as well as Home Health and Supportive Services to ease the return home.

Additional information about stroke is available by visiting the American Stroke Association’s website at www.strokeassociation.org.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.

*National Stroke Association