Geisinger receives Comprehensive Stroke Center recertification

DANVILLE, Pa. - The Joint Commission has recertified Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre as Comprehensive Stroke centers.

The designation, which is the highest level of stroke center certification, recognizes the high level of care both hospitals provide to patients with the severest and most complicated types of strokes. The hospitals have specialized cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, neuroscience intensive care units and the latest advanced imaging capabilities. Patients also have access to extensive rehabilitation programs and support during recovery.

"We are most proud of the Comprehensive Stroke Center status, which reflects our ability to serve the community and our Geisinger patients with the highest levels of stroke care in two of our hospitals," said Clemens Schirmer, M.D., Ph.D., director of Geisinger's Comprehensive Stroke centers and professor at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. "Geisinger's Comprehensive Stroke centers are the foundation of a high-performing, systemwide stroke program built on strong clinical leadership and collaboration."

The program is led by Dr. Schirmer and Lisa Wasko, R.N., manager of clinical quality. Together, they guide the program's strategy, quality initiatives and systemwide coordination to ensure consistently excellent stroke care across the region. They are joined by key system leaders including Antony Noto, D.O., vice chair of neurology and leader of Geisinger's telestroke program - an essential component for rapid stroke evaluation across all sites - and David Ermak, D.O., system director of acute stroke and system neurology director for inpatient stroke care. The program is also supported by stroke coordinators Wysteria Stedman and Judy Nilsson, as well as the dedicated stroke team nurses who provide expert care across each Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Geisinger's continued success in stroke care is driven by the exceptional collaboration among multidisciplinary teams - including neurologists, endovascular neurosurgeons, specialized stroke nurses, emergency medicine physicians and skilled rehabilitation professionals. Together, they provide timely, expert and compassionate care to patients and families, supporting recovery at every stage.

For more information on the full spectrum of stroke care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/stroke.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses - and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 500 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state's economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.