When someone is having a stroke, every second matters, especially during a stroke, when nearly 1.9 million brain cells are lost each minute. Fast treatment can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability, which is why Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital’s new designation as a Primary Stroke Center is such an important milestone for the North Fork and Shelter Island communities.
Awarded by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting organization, the designation recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous national standards for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. For local residents, it means advanced stroke care is now available closer to home, reducing the critical time between the onset of symptoms and treatment.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding in the brain. According to stroke experts, early intervention is key because brain cells begin to die within minutes when deprived of oxygen. That is why medical professionals stress the importance of recognizing symptoms quickly and calling 911 immediately.
To help the public recognize the warning signs, healthcare providers use the acronym “BE FAST”:
Balance – sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Eyes – sudden vision changes
Face – facial drooping
Arms – arm weakness
Speech – slurred or strange speech
Time – call 911 immediately
Hospital officials emphasize that people should never attempt to drive themselves or a loved one to the emergency room during a suspected stroke. Emergency medical services can begin care immediately and alert the hospital before arrival, saving valuable time.
At SBELIH, stroke care begins before a patient even enters the hospital doors. The hospital works closely with local EMS teams and advanced paramedics to coordinate care as early as possible. Patients arriving with stroke symptoms receive rapid evaluation, advanced imaging, early treatment, and continuous monitoring from a specially trained stroke team.
The hospital’s connection to Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) also gives patients access to advanced specialty care and consultation when needed. Through 24/7 TeleStroke capabilities, SBELIH physicians can collaborate directly with stroke specialists at SBUH, ensuring patients receive expert evaluation and guidance around the clock.
For residents of the East End, where travel time can significantly impact outcomes, having a designated Primary Stroke Center close to home in Greenport offers peace of mind and potentially lifesaving advantages. Hospital leaders say the certification reflects years of planning, staff education, and collaboration focused on bringing high-quality stroke care to the local community.
The message from healthcare providers is simple: know the signs, act fast, and call 911. When it comes to stroke, timely care can save both lives and quality of life.