The Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Primary Stroke Centre has received ts Canadian accreditation for its second time.

The centre collected a Stroke Distinction certification for its Acute Stroke Services and Inpatient Rehabilitation Services standards, which will stay in effect for four years.

Judy Richardson, the acting chief executive officer and chief of nursing, said she was “elated” to get the award, recognising that “stroke is an epidemic on the island”.

She added: “Our teams work around the clock ensuring the highest standards of care to our patients.

“We met 100 per cent of the criteria set by Accreditation Canada, a feat which reflects the world-class expertise of our staff and the services we provide.”

She said the distinction was the highest commendation a stroke centre could receive in the Accreditation Canada system.

BHB launched the Primary Stroke Centre in 2019 with the help of Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Surveyors with Accreditation Canada met in June with BHB staff and organisations they worked alongside, as well as stroke patients and families. Their final report noted “an incredible amount of work” putting best practices in place in a relatively short amount of time.

Srinath Meadipudi, the BHB’s stroke medical director, added: “This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and collaboration of our exceptional multidisciplinary stroke teams who work tirelessly to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.”

Victor Urrutia, director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Centre and director of the Johns Hopkins Global Centre for Organised Stroke Care, called it an honour to work with BHB.

Dr Urrutia added: “Their dedicated team continues to work together using proven standards and best practices, helping to ensure patients across Bermuda receive the care they need when every minute counts.”