A Borough Park hospital’s center for stroke patients has the highest survival rate of any stroke program in the country, according to a recent federal mortality report.
Maimonides Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center — located on 48th Street between Ninth and 10th avenues — includes physicians and nurses in emergency medicine, and offers neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine to treat Brooklyn’s stroke patients. According to the program’s director, stroke programs are more necessary than ever.
“A person suffers a stroke approximately every 40 seconds in the U.S.,” said Dr. Tony Qingliang Wang. “Someone dies from stroke every four minutes, and 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. So when it comes to diagnosis and treatment, every moment counts.”
The report’s finding is not the first time Maimonides’ stroke center has been recognized for its excellence. The stroke program also earned top honors from the American Stroke Association for its eighth consecutive year, a prestige one hospital executive held up as evidence of the medical center’s high standards.
“The outstanding care that is delivered demonstrates one of the many reasons why our hospital is among the Top 10 in the nation for overall clinical excellence,” said Kenneth D. Gibbs.
On July 15, local pols joined Maimonides doctors during the hospital’s “Stroke Awareness Flag-Raising,” during which doctors stressed the importance of acting fast when stroke symptoms occur, causing face-drooping, imbalance, loss of vision and slurred speech.
“If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing a stroke, phoning 911 immediately can make a big difference,” said Dr. Wang.
