Northwell’s Phelps Hospital has been accredited as a Level 3 epilepsy center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), recognizing the hospital’s epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) for meeting the highest standards of patient safety, clinical expertise and diagnostic capability in epilepsy care.
The three-year accreditation confirms that Phelps has the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest-level medical evaluation and treatment for patients with epilepsy. Level 3 centers must demonstrate board-certified epileptologist oversight, specialized neurology nursing training, advanced diagnostic tools including 24/7 video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, and a formal partnership with a Level 4 surgical epilepsy center.
“This accreditation represents a rigorous validation of what our team has built — a safe, compassionate environment where patients can receive expert epilepsy care without having to travel to the city,” said Nisali Gunawardane, MD, co-director of the epilepsy monitoring unit at Phelps Hospital. “Level 3 designation from the NAEC means we have met the national standard for what matters most: patient safety and quality of care for our community.” With epilepsy affecting more than 200,000 people in New York State, the need for accessible, high-quality seizure care is significant. Phelps’ EMU, located on the hospital’s dedicated neuroscience unit, serves four distinct patient populations:
– Those with epilepsy who need medication adjustments in a safe, monitored setting
– Patients with epilepsy and developmental delay who may have difficulty communicating their symptoms
– Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who require monitoring to identify where seizures originate for potential surgical intervention
– Individuals experiencing unexplained spells, including episodes of confusion, staring, abnormal movements or episodes of loss of consciousness. Evaluation is needed with inpatient video EEG monitoring to determine whether these episodes are seizures
During an EMU admission, patients are connected to continuous video EEG monitoring around the clock, with an epileptologist maintaining 24/7 access to the recordings. Specially trained nursing staff monitor patients on camera for the duration of their stay, enabling rapid response if a seizure occurs. For patients whose monitoring reveals they may be candidates for epilepsy surgery, Phelps coordinates directly with Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, a Level 4 NAEC-accredited center.
“The relationship between our Level 3 center at Phelps and the Level 4 center at Lenox Hill creates a seamless continuum of care for epilepsy patients across the region,” said Derek Chong, MD, co-director of the epilepsy monitoring unit at Phelps Hospital and vice chair of neurology at Lenox Hill Hospital. “Patients benefit from expert monitoring close to home, and when advanced interventions are being considered, the Phelps team remains actively involved to shape the treatment plan. Our regional epilepsy program provides comprehensive epilepsy care, including advanced surgical options in the city, with the confidence that the Phelps team they know and trust has a voice in every decision.”
The accreditation process required extensive documentation demonstrating specialized education for all clinical staff involved in epilepsy care, as well as verification of the epileptologists’ board certification, sufficient patient volume, and access to comprehensive support services including neuropsychological testing, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
“Achieving this accreditation is a direct reflection of the investment we continue to make in neurology across Westchester — in our people, our facilities and our clinical programs,” said Anna Hohler, MD, director of neurology for Northwell Health’s Westchester Region, chair of neurology at both Phelps Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital. “Our goal is to ensure that patients in this region never have to choose between convenience and quality when it comes to complex neurological care, and this milestone moves us closer to that vision.”
The EMU accreditation adds to Phelps’ suite of neurology services, which includes comprehensive care for conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, headache disorders, neuropathy and neuromuscular disease.
To learn more about neurology services at Phelps, visit phelps.northwell.edu/neurology or call (914) 366-5300.