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BHB Primary Stroke Centre achieves Accreditation Canada distinction certification

Tuesday 21 July 2026: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is pleased to announce that its Primary Stroke Centre, part of a clinical affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHMI), has received Stroke Distinction certification from Accreditation Canada for its Acute Stroke Services and its Inpatient Rehabilitation Services standards for a second four-year term.

A letter from Accreditation Canada announcing the news reads: “Achieving Distinction indicates that your organization has demonstrated national leadership in the provision of high-quality stroke care. We applaud your success and urge you to celebrate this achievement.”

Accreditation Canada surveyors interviewed Bermuda Hospitals Board staff, stroke patients, their families and organisations BHB partner with earlier from 22-24 June 2026. In their final report they said the stroke teams had done “an incredible amount of work” in developing  the programme and implementing stroke best practices, in a relatively short time.

“We are elated that we’ve received the Stroke Distinction Award,” said BHB Acting CEO and Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson. “Our Stroke programme is a top priority at BHB as we recognise stroke is an epidemic on the island.

“Our teams work around-the-clock ensuring the highest standards of care to our patients,” She added. “We met 100 percent of the criteria set by Accreditation Canada, a feat which reflects the world-class expertise of our staff and the services we provide.”

Ms Richardson continued: “Stroke distinction certification is the highest commendation a Stroke Centre can receive in the Accreditation Canada system and aligns with BHB’s vision to pursue excellence through improvement, to make Bermuda proud.”

BHB Stroke Medical Director Dr Srinath Meadipudi said: “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.”

“It has been our pleasure to work with BHB in developing the Stroke Centre. We are proud of this collaboration and of BHB’s achievement in being recertified as a Primary Stroke Centre with Distinction,” said Victor C Urrutia, MD,  Director of The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center and director of The Johns Hopkins Global Center for Organised Stroke Care. “This recognition shows BHB’s strong commitment to providing high-quality stroke care. 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.”

The Accreditation Canada Stroke Distinction letter and the Stroke Distinction Report are available on BHB’s website bermudahospitals.bm.

Stroke Centre History

In 2018 BHB recognising that stroke had become an epidemic on the island, took steps to address the problem. In July 2019, BHB launched its Primary Stroke Centre, part of a clinical affiliation with JHMI. Since that time, stroke patient outcomes have significantly improved. A more clearly defined process in managing stroke patients together with a robust national campaign highlighting the signs and symptoms of stroke, BE FAST, and the importance of attending the hospital immediately, have led to the success.

Photo: BHB stroke team leaders with the Accreditation Canada surveyors after the final briefing on 24 June 2026

 

21 July 2026 Home Page, News

Stroke and the holidays

Monday 16 December 2024: The Christmas holiday season, as joyful as it is, can also be stressful for many adults. Amid the increased pressures and demands, Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Primary Stroke Centre and Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute urge everyone to be mindful of their mental and physical health.

Psychosocial stress, excessive alcohol intake, overeating, physical inactivity and sleep deprivation are common during this period and can increase the risk for certain health conditions, including stroke.

“In the US, more strokes are reported from November to February,” said BHB Primary Stroke Centre Director Dr Srinath Meadipudi. “That’s why we are encouraging the public again to get to the hospital as fast as possible at the earliest indication that someone may be experiencing a stroke.”

BE FAST is the acronym to help remember the signs and symptoms of stroke. If you or someone you know suddenly loses Balance, experiences a change in Eyesight, suffers Facial drooping, weakness in an Arm or leg, changes in Speech where it may become slurred or not accessible, then it’s Time to call 911 and report to the hospital immediately.

“When people seek emergency care quickly, our physicians can administer tenecteplase, a blood-clot-busting drug, within the crucial time window,” said Dr Meadipudi. “This treatment greatly improves stroke outcomes and helps stroke patients achieve better recovery.

“Since BE FAST was launched as part of our public education on stroke, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people attending the hospital at the first signs of stroke. Every minute matters, and presenting to the Emergency Department as soon as possible allows us to deliver the best possible care to those in need.”

BHB thanks everyone who has listened, learned and taken action by recognising stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.

“Together, we are improving stroke care and saving lives,” said Dr Meadipudi.

For information leaflets on stroke symptoms, what to do in an emergency and what you can do to minimise your stroke risk, please visit the Primary Stroke Centre online at bermudahospitals.bm.

16 December 2024 Home Page, News

Reduce your stroke risk with physical activity

Tuesday 22 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s (BHB) Emergency Department sees an average of five people every week who are experiencing a stroke. That’s over 200 people every year.

“Our Primary Stroke Centre provides comprehensive stroke services, but we would like the public to take necessary actions to prevent stroke in the first instance and to seek medical care immediately if affected by stroke,” said Dr Srinath Meadipudi, BHB Primary Stroke Centre director.

“Knowing the risks and taking conscious action to reduce them will help you avoid becoming a stroke victim,” he continued.

October 29th is World Stroke Day, and in keeping with the international theme to boost physical activity, BHB encourages the public to be as physically active as they can.

Regular physical activity is a preventative measure for stroke. Statistics show that at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week reduces stroke risk by 20-25%. Physical activity after a stroke aids in recovery and the quality of life of stroke patients.

“At BHB we are encouraging all our staff to take the stairs where possible, instead of using elevators,” said Dr Meadipudi. “We invite the public to join our take the stairs effort or to create a movement goal that better suits their environment, from 28 October.”

BHB also reminds the public to BE FAST in recognising and responding to stroke symptoms.

B is for Balance – sudden loss of balance, headache or dizziness

E is for Eyes – sudden blurred vision

F is for Face – one side of the face is drooping

A is for Arms – sudden weakness in an arm or leg

S is for Speech – sudden difficulty speaking or making sense

T is for Time – Time to call 911 and get to the Emergency Department as soon as possible

 

More about the BHB Primary Stroke Centre

 

22 October 2024 Home Page, News