Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown has once again proven that world class care can be found close to home. The hospital was just named one of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" for 2025-2026 in the treatment of heart attacks.
Every year, U.S. News & World Report evaluates around 4,500 hospitals across the country. They look at things like patient survival rates, how often people are discharged straight home rather than to another facility, and overall quality of care. Out of those thousands of hospitals, only 517 earned the "High Performing" designation, the highest honor possible, and Bassett Medical Center is proudly one of them.
Dr. Michael Holmes, Chief of Cardiology for Bassett Healthcare Network, says this recognition reflects the dedication of everyone who makes patient care possible. "We are honored to be recognized... This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire healthcare team," he shared. "We remain committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients and ensuring their smooth transitions back home."
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One of the standout areas where Bassett received an "Excellent" rating was nurse communication. That might sound simple, but it's one of the most important parts of quality care. Clear, compassionate communication between nurses and patients can make all the difference, especially in moments when every second matters.
Amanda Barker, BSN-RN, Director of Nursing for Critical Care and Cardiovascular Services, described the honor as much more than a ranking. "This recognition is not just a celebration of clinical excellence," she said. "It's an acknowledgment of the unwavering dedication, skill, and humanity that define our entire heart attack care team."
Barker emphasized how the entire network, from the emergency department to intensive care, works in perfect sync. "In the most critical moments, our team rises with calm precision and heartfelt compassion," she said. "We see the person behind every diagnosis and bring empathy to every encounter."
Heart attacks often strike suddenly and can show up in different ways. Common symptoms include pressure or squeezing in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or dizziness. At Bassett, doctors and nurses use a variety of tests, like EKGs, echocardiograms, coronary angiography, and chest X-rays to quickly identify heart damage and begin lifesaving treatment. In many cases, that swift response can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.