RWJBarnabas Health, the state’s largest academic healthcare system, announced today that it has received a second advanced comprehensive stroke program certification from The Joint Commission (TJC). Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) has earned its first Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Comprehensive Stroke Center for 2024 – 2026.
Advanced Certification in Comprehensive Stroke Center is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) Certification shows the hospital’s dedication to raising the bar for performance — evaluating and evolving the care that patients receive at every touch point in their stroke care continuum. It is the highest level of certification for hospitals with specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.
“CBMC is honored to receive this prestigious certification, which is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our entire stroke care team,” said Richard L. Davis, President and CEO, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. “This acknowledgment underscores our commitment to excellence and RWJBarnabas Health’s focus on ensuring the resources are in place to lead the state in the delivery of outstanding stroke care for our patients and their families.”
The Stroke Center at CBMC has a team of medical and surgical professionals available around the clock who specialize in the rapid and efficient diagnosis and treatment of stroke. The Center provide the highest level of care for stroke patients and their families including acute stroke response teams with specialized vascular neurologists. Additionally, the center has advanced cerebrovascular surgical capabilities delivered by leading neuro-interventionalists and endovascular neurosurgeons. The comprehensive approach includes specialized stroke units, intensive care, step-down facilities, as well as a robust rehabilitation and post-discharge transition program.
“Receiving this certification is an honor and a testament to our team’s commitment to provide the highest quality evidenced-based stroke care,” said Steven Shapiro, MD, Medical Director for Stroke Services at CBMC and a member of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. “This level of stroke care requires rapid response starting in the pre-hospital setting, advanced technology, access to the latest research and interventions, expertise, and a dedication to continuous quality improvement. We are dedicated to raising the standard of care and advancing innovation in stroke treatment in order to provide patients with the best possible chance for a complete recovery.”
“With this achievement, CBMC further anchors our network of stroke centers in the northern part of our health system, which is essential to providing the best outcomes for patients,” said Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, MD, Senior Vice President of Neurology and co-lead of Neuroscience at RWJBarnabas Health and Chair of Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “Stroke care at this level requires coordination, expertise and urgency from Ambulance to the ED to imaging, pharmacy and potentially to the operating room. CMBC has proven that the stroke care they deliver is among the best in the nation.”
CBMC joins Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), which received this recognition for clinical excellence in 2024 for the fifth consecutive time. In addition to the comprehensive stroke centers, RWJBarnabas Health has nine primary stroke centers across New Jersey.
ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.