St. Bernardine Medical Center Achieves Designation as Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center

San Bernardino, CA – February 5, 2024 - Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center is proud to  announce its designation as a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, underscoring the Hospital’s  commitment to providing advanced and comprehensive stroke care to our community.

Thrombectomy is a life-saving procedure that involves the removal of blood clots from the brain,  significantly improving outcomes for stroke patients. As a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center,  St. Bernardine has met rigorous standards and criteria set forth by regulatory bodies, demonstrating  its ability to deliver timely and specialized care to individuals experiencing acute stroke symptoms.

"We are incredibly proud to announce St. Bernardine Medical Center’s achievement of becoming a  Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center”, shares Doug Kleam, Hospital President. “This designation  reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and underscores our dedication to  providing the highest level of care to our community. The ability to perform thrombectomy procedures  positions us at the forefront of stroke care, empowering us to make a meaningful impact on the lives  of our patients.”  

To be eligible for the certification, the hospital was required to meet strict guidelines that include  performing EVT on a minimum of 15 patients in the past year, or 30 patients in the past two years,  and the capability to perform EVT around the clock, seven days a week. The hospital’s primary  neurointerventionalists—the physicians who routinely perform emergency mechanical  thrombectomy—also must meet the highest standards of subspecialty training. 

"Becoming a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center is a significant milestone for St. Bernardine  Medical Center. This designation reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, life saving care to stroke patients in our community”, states Dr. Piotr Bzdyra, Stroke Medical Director.  “We are proud to be at the forefront of stroke care and will continue to prioritize excellence in patient  outcomes."

This designation is a testament to St. Bernardine’s dedication to advancing healthcare and improving  the lives of those we serve. We look forward to continuing to meet the evolving needs of our  community through innovation, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.

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About Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center  

Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dignity Health – St. Bernardine  Medical Center (SBMC) is a 342-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino, California. The hospital  offers a full complement of services and it shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five  largest health care systems. SBMC has been recognized by American Stroke Association - “Get With the Guidelines”  Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, one of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for General Surgery and  for Orthopedic Surgery for 5 years in a row, named among the top 5 percent in the country for General Surgery and  Orthopedic Services, a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis for 8 years in a row, and earned Blue Distinction for  Maternity Care, Gastric Band, Cardiac Care, and Knee and Hip Replacement from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Visit  dignityhealth.org/stbernardinemedical for more information.