
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are hospitals that are equipped to provide immediate care for strokes, including life-saving medications, before transferring the patient to a primary or comprehensive stroke center. They are typically smaller hospitals that have the basic capabilities—personnel, expertise, processes, and resources—to provide acute stroke care. ASRH certification is given to hospitals that meet high standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients, where quick action and proper medication can save lives and limit the long-term disabling effects of a stroke.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level | 4 |
| Skill level | Lowest |
| Location | Smaller and rural hospitals |
| Patient transfer | Transfers patients to a Primary Stroke Center or Comprehensive Stroke Center when required |
| Staff | Medical professionals trained in stroke care |
| Timings | A qualified practitioner assesses a suspected stroke patient within 15 minutes of arrival |
| Treatment | Provides immediate care for strokes, including life-saving medications |
| Infrastructure | Has the infrastructure and capability to care for acute stroke |
| Certification | Certified by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) |
| Protocols | Has protocols and policies in place that define treatments |
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What You'll Learn
- Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are the lowest skill level for hospitals designated as stroke centres
- ASRH hospitals are certified to provide immediate care for strokes, including life-saving medications
- ASRH hospitals should have a dedicated stroke-focused program that follows American Heart Association/American Stroke Association protocols
- ASRH hospitals should be able to deliver several acute therapies that can improve outcomes for patients with a variety of strokes
- ASRH hospitals become part of a region's larger stroke system of care, in which the hospital is equipped to evaluate, stabilise and provide emergency care to patients with acute stroke symptoms

Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are the lowest skill level for hospitals designated as stroke centres
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are the lowest skill level for hospitals designated as stroke centres. They are typically smaller hospitals that provide initial diagnostic services, stabilisation, and emergency care to patients with acute strokes. ASRHs are often located in rural areas or other locations where patients cannot quickly access a primary or comprehensive stroke centre. These hospitals are equipped to evaluate, stabilise, and provide immediate care to stroke patients, including administering life-saving medications and treatments such as intravenous thrombolytic therapy (tPA) to dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow.
ASRHs are certified by organisations like the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The certification recognises hospitals that meet high standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients, where rapid action and proper medication can significantly impact patient outcomes and reduce long-term disabilities caused by strokes.
ASRHs should have the basic capabilities in terms of personnel, expertise, processes, and resources to provide acute stroke care. This includes having a dedicated stroke-focused program, medical professionals trained in stroke care, and the ability to assess suspected stroke patients promptly. Additionally, ASRHs should have transfer protocols in place to quickly move stroke patients to a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) or Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) when more specialised or long-term care is required.
While ASRHs may have limited capabilities compared to PSCs and CSCs, they play a crucial role in the stroke system of care by providing timely and evidence-based initial treatment to stroke patients, thereby improving their chances of recovery. These hospitals demonstrate a commitment to a higher standard of clinical service and enhance community confidence in the quality and safety of stroke care.
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ASRH hospitals are certified to provide immediate care for strokes, including life-saving medications
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRHs) are an essential part of the stroke care system. They are typically smaller hospitals with the basic capabilities to provide immediate and potentially life-saving care for patients with acute strokes. This includes the administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy, also known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or aleplase, which is used to dissolve blood clots, improve blood flow and prevent tissue damage in stroke patients.
ASRH certification is awarded to hospitals that meet high standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients. This includes the ability to evaluate, stabilise and provide emergency care to patients with acute stroke symptoms. ASRHs are equipped with the necessary personnel, expertise, processes and resources to deliver timely, evidence-based care to most patients suffering from acute strokes. They are often located in rural or remote areas, where patients might not be able to quickly access a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) or Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC).
ASRHs are required to have a dedicated stroke-focused program following protocols set by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. This includes providing care by medical professionals specifically trained in stroke care and ensuring that a qualified practitioner assesses a suspected stroke patient promptly within 15 minutes of arrival. ASRHs also facilitate quick access to diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing to determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.
Furthermore, ASRHs have transfer protocols in place to efficiently move patients to a PSC or CSC when more specialised or long-term care is required. These hospitals work in collaboration with neurologists and utilise telemedicine to assist in diagnosis, treatment and quality oversight. The quick transfer of patients from an ASRH to a higher-level stroke center is crucial, especially for patients requiring neurosurgical evaluation and treatment for conditions such as large ischemic strokes or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
ASRH certification demonstrates a hospital's commitment to providing excellent stroke care to its community. It enhances the facility's ability to attract top talent, increases community confidence, and can lead to improved patient outcomes and increased patient volumes.
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ASRH hospitals should have a dedicated stroke-focused program that follows American Heart Association/American Stroke Association protocols
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRHs) are an essential part of the stroke care system, providing initial treatment and stabilisation for stroke patients, especially in rural or remote areas where access to a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) or Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) may be limited. ASRHs are typically smaller hospitals with basic capabilities, including personnel, expertise, processes, and resources, to deliver timely and evidence-based acute stroke care.
ASRH hospitals play a crucial role in the community, ensuring that stroke patients receive prompt attention and treatment. To achieve this, it is imperative for ASRH hospitals to have a dedicated stroke-focused program that adheres to the protocols established by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. These protocols provide a comprehensive framework for delivering the highest standard of care to stroke patients.
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are leading organisations in the field of stroke care and, in collaboration with The Joint Commission, they offer certifications and guidance to hospitals. By following their protocols, ASRH hospitals can ensure they are providing the most up-to-date and effective treatments. This includes the timely administration of life-saving medications, such as thrombolytics, and the use of advanced technologies, such as mobile stroke units, to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment.
The dedicated stroke-focused program should encompass specific care areas and support services. For instance, ASRH hospitals should have the capability to deliver a range of acute therapies, such as intravenous tPA for ischemic strokes, and measures to address coagulopathies in hemorrhagic strokes. Additionally, they should have protocols in place for managing elevated intracranial pressures, controlling seizures, and stabilising vital functions.
Furthermore, the program should ensure that a qualified practitioner assesses a suspected stroke patient promptly, typically within 15 minutes of arrival. This rapid assessment is crucial in stroke care. The program should also facilitate quick access to diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and, if necessary, telemedicine consultations with experienced neurologists. These elements work together to ensure that patients receive swift and accurate evaluations, leading to more effective treatment and improved outcomes.
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ASRH hospitals should be able to deliver several acute therapies that can improve outcomes for patients with a variety of strokes
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRHs) are hospitals designated as stroke centres with the basic capabilities to provide acute stroke care. They are often smaller hospitals that serve as the first responders in the diagnosis and treatment of strokes.
ASRHs should be equipped to deliver a range of acute therapies to improve outcomes for patients with different types of strokes. These therapies include:
- Intravenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) for acute ischemic strokes, which helps dissolve blood clots, improve blood flow, and prevent tissue damage.
- Measures to reverse coagulopathies in patients with hemorrhagic strokes, which can help stop bleeding and stabilise patients.
- Steps to control and reduce elevated intracranial pressures in appropriate patients, which can help reduce the risk of brain damage and further complications.
- Seizure control to manage any seizure activity that may occur due to the stroke.
- Treatment of abnormal blood pressures (hypertension or hypotension) to stabilise the patient and reduce the risk of further complications.
- Stabilisation of other vital functions and metabolic derangements, such as heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels.
ASRHs play a crucial role in providing initial diagnostic services, stabilisation, and emergent care for patients with acute strokes. They ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment, improving their chances of recovery and reducing potential long-term disabilities.
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ASRH hospitals become part of a region's larger stroke system of care, in which the hospital is equipped to evaluate, stabilise and provide emergency care to patients with acute stroke symptoms
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are an essential part of a region's stroke care system, providing initial evaluation, stabilisation, and emergency care for patients with acute stroke symptoms. They are typically smaller hospitals that serve as the first line of defence in delivering timely and evidence-based care to stroke patients. ASRH hospitals are equipped with the basic capabilities, including personnel, expertise, processes, and resources, to handle acute stroke cases effectively.
ASRH hospitals play a crucial role in providing immediate care to stroke patients, especially in situations where quick access to a primary or comprehensive stroke centre is not feasible due to distance or other factors. These hospitals are certified to deliver life-saving interventions, such as administering medications and stabilising patients, before transferring them to higher-level stroke centres for further specialised treatment.
The certification process for ASRH hospitals ensures compliance with national standards for assessing and treating stroke patients. This includes having a dedicated stroke-focused program, providing care by medical professionals trained in stroke care, ensuring prompt assessment of suspected stroke patients, and offering diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing to facilitate thrombolytic therapy, such as tPA, which dissolves blood clots and improves blood flow.
ASRH hospitals become integral components of a region's stroke care network, working in collaboration with other facilities. While ASRH hospitals have fewer overall capabilities than Primary Stroke Centres (PSCs), they possess the necessary staff and resources to diagnose, stabilise, and treat most stroke patients. They play a vital role in stabilising patients and providing initial care before transferring them to PSCs or Comprehensive Stroke Centres (CSCs) for ongoing specialised treatment and long-term care.
The integration of ASRH hospitals into a region's stroke system of care enhances the overall capacity to manage stroke incidents. It ensures that patients receive prompt evaluation and stabilisation, reducing the potential for long-term disabling effects of strokes. Additionally, ASRH hospitals can serve as a resource for other facilities, offering guidance, expertise, and diagnostic or treatment options for stroke patients initially treated at other centres. The availability of ASRH hospitals within a region improves the efficiency of stroke care and contributes to better patient outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRH) are hospitals that are not Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) but can provide timely, evidence-based care to most patients with acute strokes. They are the lowest skill level for hospitals designated as stroke centers.
ASRHs provide initial diagnostic services, stabilization, emergency care, and therapies to patients with acute strokes. They are especially useful when patients cannot quickly get to a PSC because of distance or other factors.
ASRHs should have dedicated stroke-focused programs that follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association protocols. They should also have staff trained in stroke care, including providing life-saving medications and treatments such as intravenous thrombolytic therapy (tPA).
Certification is given by organizations such as the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Hospitals must demonstrate compliance with national standards for assessing and providing effective care for stroke patients.
ASRH certification improves patient outcomes and satisfaction, enhances a hospital's reputation and competitiveness, and strengthens community confidence in the quality and safety of care.











































