Sentara Primary Stroke Centers 

At Sentara Primary Stroke Centers, the highest level of excellence in patient care is provided through neurovascular specialists, the latest advanced technology, and research trials. 

Sentara is the first hospital in the region to offer nationally certified levels of stroke care, at five distinct locations. The Sentara Primary Stroke Centers at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Obici Hospital, Sentara CarePlex Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital have earned the Gold Seal of Approval and Disease Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations. 

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is accredited by the DNVHC (Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc) as a Certified Primary Stroke Center based on its continual integration of quality standards for management of stroke patients.  

To receive the certification, Sentara demonstrated exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. It was also recognized as a patient-focused, quality health care provider, serving the unique and specialized needs of its community.

Primary Stroke Center Certification is a distinction whereby a hospital meets national standards and guidelines for improving clinical outcomes for stroke patients and critical elements are being exercised for the long-term success in improving outcomes.

At Sentara, our quality clinical outcomes are a result of the culture of collaborative and comprehensive care. Our emergency room physicians team up with neurologists and an interventional neuroradiologist, board-certified and specialty trained in neurovascular disease, to quickly assess and treat acute stroke symptoms and emergency neurology care.

Improved clinical outcomes result from accurate speedy assessments and administering of tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) treatment on ischemic attacks. The experience of our Sentara specialists serve to directly minimize neurological damage and mortality risks - in effect preserving proper nervous system functions.

Sentara physicians, including Dr. Richard M. Zweifler are assigned to the Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force and are actively working to establish the guidelines and protocol for Virginia health systems to meet statewide Comprehensive Stroke Center levels of excellence for stroke care patients.

Related links:
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Certified Primary Stroke Centers in Virginia
Facts about Primary Stroke Certification
 Sentara Neurology Specialists
 The Joint Commission
 Virginia Stroke Systems