Northwell’s Phelps Hospital has again been recognized as an Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, marking its second re-certification and third overall Gold Seal of Approval®. This recognition, awarded in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA), reaffirms Phelps’ dedication to sustained excellence in stroke care.
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke), depriving brain cells of oxygen and causing them to die.
“Achieving re-certification from The Joint Commission speaks volumes about Phelps Hospital’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest caliber of stroke care,” said Salman Azhar, MD, regional director of stroke services for Northwell in Westchester, Manhattan and Staten Island, as well as chair of Neurology at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. “It reaffirms our leadership in providing life-saving treatment and reflects the tireless dedication of our specialized team.”
To achieve re-certification, Phelps underwent a rigorous onsite review in which The Joint Commission evaluated its compliance with evidence-based standards, including stroke treatment protocols, hemorrhage management, patient education and quality benchmarks. These criteria were developed in consultation with health care experts to ensure the highest standard of care.
Removing clots from the brain
The Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center designation indicates that a hospital can treat the most severe ischemic strokes using mechanical thrombectomy, a specialized procedure that removes blood clots from blocked brain vessels to restore normal blood circulation. Another critical component evaluated by the Joint Commission is the post-procedural care and continuous monitoring essential for optimal patient recovery. This comprehensive care is delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, specialized stroke nurses and rehabilitation therapists, ensuring a seamless continuum from intervention through recovery.
Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to improving survival rates, reducing long-term disability and speeding up recovery. Patients who undergo thrombectomy within hours of stroke onset have a significantly higher chance of survival and recovery.
“This re-certification highlights our continuous commitment to investing in both exceptional talent and cutting-edge technology, like our state-of-the-art biplane angiography suite,” said David Gordon, MD, regional chair of neurosurgery for Northwell in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. “This critical combination allows our expert neurosurgical team to precisely target and remove clots in the brain, offering the most advanced treatment options right here in Westchester.”
Phelps has also earned the AHA’s 2026 Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus Award, recognizing its commitment to delivering the highest standard of evidence-based stroke care, including the rapid treatment of patients with clot-busting drugs and lifesaving catheter-based procedures. The hospital has also achieved the AHA’s Target: Stroke℠ Honor Roll Elite Plus Award, which highlights its success in meeting rigorous treatment time benchmarks and consistently providing high-quality stroke care.
Recognizing the signs of stroke quickly is critical. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Balance loss
- Eyesight changes
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
