Bassett Among Best Hospitals in Treatment of Heart Attacks

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Medical Center announced today, October 20, that is has been recognized as a high performing hospital in the treatment of heart attacks as part of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 edition of Best Hospitals.

According to a press release, approximately 4,500 hospitals were evaluated on patient survival rates, how often patients go directly home from the hospital (rather than being discharged to another facility) and other metrics determine the rankings.

Bassett Medical Center is among only 517 of those 4,500 hospitals to receive the “High Performing” designation, which is the highest possible. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital in heart attack survival rates and safe discharges,” said Dr. Michael Holmes, chief of cardiology for Bassett Healthcare Network. “This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire healthcare team. We remain committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients and ensuring their smooth transitions back home.”

One of the areas in which Bassett Medical Center received an “Excellent” rating was nurse communication, which is directly linked with the highest-quality patient care.

“This recognition is not just a celebration of clinical excellence. It is a profound acknowledgment of the unwavering dedication, skill and humanity that define our entire heart attack care team,” said Amanda Barker, BSN-RN, director of nursing for critical care and cardiovascular services at Bassett Healthcare Network. “From the Emergency Department to the Cardiovascular Intervention suite, from the ICU to the SCU, and across our Cardiology and Interventional teams, every member plays a vital role in delivering life-saving care when seconds matter most. In the most critical moments, our team rises with calm precision and heartfelt compassion.

“We are the steady hands and warm hearts behind every successful intervention, every comforting word, and every life saved,” continued Barker. “Our strength lies not only in our expertise but in our seamless coordination, our commitment to evidence-based practice, and our shared purpose. We see the person behind every diagnosis and we bring empathy to every encounter.”

Heart attack symptoms can include a squeezing sensation or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats and dizziness. By utilizing a number of tests, including EKG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, coronary angiography, and chest X-rays, doctors, practitioners, and nurses are able to quickly evaluate any damage to the heart and begin treatment, which can include surgery, officials said. Click here to learn more.