Stroke Care

The Certified Primary Stroke Center serves as a model for other community hospitals seeking to improve stroke care.

When someone suffers a stroke, clot-busting drugs can help. Joe and Eve share their story.

• Certified by the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services as a Primary Stroke Center.  
• Awarded the national Gold Seal of Approval, achieving national certification in stroke care from the Joint Commission. 
• Recognized by the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association with the Gold Plus Award for their "Get with the Guidelines" national standards initiative.

RWJ Hamilton’s continuum of stroke care includes:

On-the-scene care. Skilled emergency personnel can gather essential information, communicate with RWJ Hamilton, and begin treatment even before the patient reaches the hospital.

Emergency care. High-speed diagnostics and the most current treatments available give physicians a better chance to stop a stroke.

Inpatient care. The critical care and dedicated stroke unit provide specially trained staff and equipment for stroke care. The stroke program coordinator—a neuroscience nurse practitioner—works with patients, families, physicians and hospital staff, assuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care.

Physical and occupational therapy. A therapist assesses each patient within X hours and therapy is provided directly in the stroke unit.Outpatient rehabilitation. Our rehabilitation centers help patients continue to improve after leaving RWJ Hamilton and a rehabilitation hospital.

Support. Recognizing that patients benefit from continued support after recovery, RWJ Hamilton offers regular educational programs and the only stroke support conference for stroke survivors and caregivers in the region.

Preventive care. Classes and screenings, including stroke risk assessments, are regularly offered. Nutritional counseling and fitness programs promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

For more information about stroke, including an informational video, click here for the Health Library.