Recertification of the stroke unit at the hospital in Gotha
© Sandra Oehmer

Recertification of the stroke unit at the hospital in Gotha

At Helios Hospital Gotha, patients with a suspected stroke undergo an immediate neurological examination and the necessary diagnostic tests, followed by specialized treatment and monitoring in the Stroke Unit. In May 2026, the unit successfully completed its recertification, confirming its high standards of stroke care.

“Neurology is my passion. I would like to thank my wonderful team for their dedication and our joint efforts every day, as well as for all the preparation that contributed to the successful recertification of our Stroke Unit.” — Dr. Flokart Smajli, Chief Physician of Neurology

A stroke requires diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible. If a patient arrives at the hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms and meets the medical criteria, a treatment known as thrombolysis can be performed in the emergency department. This involves administering medication intravenously to dissolve a blood clot. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chance of limiting the effects of a stroke. If thrombolysis is not possible or the diagnostic findings indicate a different clinical situation, other individually tailored treatment options are available.

After initial treatment in the emergency department, patients are transferred to the Stroke Unit, a specialized unit for stroke care. It has four dedicated monitoring beds. During the first 24 to 72 hours, patients’ vital functions and neurological condition are closely monitored. Once the patient’s condition is stable and there are no further acute abnormalities, they are transferred to a regular ward for continued treatment and recovery.

The Stroke Unit at Helios Hospital Gotha has been operating since 2014 and specializes in providing round-the-clock care for patients with stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The unit is part of the Department of Neurology, where an interdisciplinary approach is used for diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent rehabilitation. Following the acute phase of treatment, specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy help patients regain mobility and everyday skills and, when necessary, improve speech and swallowing function. In May 2026, the Stroke Unit successfully completed its recertification in accordance with the standards of the German Stroke Society (Deutsche Schlaganfall-Gesellschaft, DSG).

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