COOPERSTOWN – Bassett Healthcare Neurologist Dr. Paul Deringer spoke recently at the New York State Department of Health Stroke Center Designation Project’s Update for Designated Stroke Centers conference held at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw. Deringer, medical director of the Bassett Stroke Center, was invited by New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Antonia Novello to discuss Outcome Measures of Stroke Quality of Care. May was stroke awareness month nationally, and Novello used this opportunity to emphasize the importance of stroke as a public health problem. Other speakers at the conference, representing major medical centers across New York State, presented lectures on optimal stroke treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. There was also discussion regarding the development of Designated Stroke Centers in New York State. Deringer summarized the conference’s key messages as follows: • There is a lot we can do to treat stroke. • There is a lot we can do to prevent stroke and recurrent stroke. • There is a lot we can do to rehabilitate patients who have suffered stroke. • Stroke centers are clearly beneficial in effectively treating stroke. Deringer’s presentation dealt with how stroke centers can monitor “performance indicators” to make sure that stroke patients receive the best possible care. Stroke centers are encouraged to share information about patient outcomes to improve stroke care across the state. “Through the Designated Stroke Center project, New York State has demonstrated its commitment to improving the care of patients who have suffered stroke,” Deringer said. “This conference showed the progress we’ve made and gave us direction for further improvement. I was honored to be asked to participate.” |