Hartford Hospital has been named one of America’s Best Stroke Centers by the Women’s Choice Award, a referral source for the best in healthcare. The award signifies that Hartford Hospital is in the top 8% of 4,812 U.S. hospitals offering stroke care services.

“This award reflects our commitment to a cutting-edge stroke center model, where we provide care across the spectrum: from prevention and screening to acute care and rehabilitation,” said Dr. Mark Alberts, chief of neurology at Hartford Hospital and physician-in-chief of Hartford HealthCare’s Ayer Neuroscience Institute. “Our Comprehensive Stroke Center is designed to provide the best care for women in our region who have stroke or cerebrovascular disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five women in the United States will have a stroke in her lifetime and women comprise nearly 60% of all stroke deaths.

“Stroke kills twice as many women each year as breast cancer,” said Dr. Amre Nouh, director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Hartford Hospital. “Our team is trained to deliver the latest treatments and provide the best post-stroke management needed to help save lives and improve quality of life.”

The percentage of strokes in women under age 45 is increasing, with studies showing these women are more likely to be misdiagnosed.

“Timely diagnosis and effective care are critical to preventing disability and improving chances of recovery,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “Our award educates women about where they—and their loved ones—have the best chance to return to a full life following a stroke.”

A stroke center must be certified by the Joint Commission Stroke Certification Program as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and/or Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center to be considered for the award. It is the only award recognizing excellence in stroke care based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

The methodology used to select Hartford Hospital as one of America’s Best Stroke Centers is unique in that it evaluates 30-day stroke mortality and readmission rates and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results along with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. Hospitals must also score in the top 80% of all hospitals in the following areas:

  • Percent of patients receiving Head CT scan results within 45 minutes
  • Percent of patients receiving Thrombolytic therapy

Hartford Hospital is one of 405 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for stroke care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our many healthcare providers and leaders throughout Hartford HealthCare who are passionate about providing comprehensive care to all of our patients, especially women with stroke,” Dr. Alberts said.

To learn more about stroke care services Hartford HealthCare, visit the Comprehensive Stroke Center.