 
In 2005, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital was designated a Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health. What this means for patients is that Bassett's stroke team is specially trained and the facility specially qualified to treat people who may have suffered stroke. This is very important, as studies have shown that a comprehensive system for providing rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke in patients admitted to the emergency department is crucial to patient outcomes.
The New York State Department of Health in 2004 announced that it was establishing designated stroke centers statewide to improve the standard and access to quality of care for patients with presumptive diagnosis of stroke. Bassett Healthcare being designated a Stroke Center means that nurses, physician assistants and others on Bassett's stroke team have completed additional training in the management, diagnosis and care of patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke. The team meets the patient upon arrival in the Emergency & Trauma Services Department and begins the evaluation for appropriate care. Other members of the team, including a neurologist, work with the patient throughout the patient's hospitalization.
Stroke is the nation's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of disability. Stroke doesn't discriminate--it affects people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Each year, about 750,000 Americans have a stroke and approximately 160,000 will die from it, with 15 to 30 percent of stroke survivors being permanently disabled. Stroke touches the lives of four out of every five families. About 46,000 more women than men suffer a stroke each year, and blacks are twice as likely as whites to have a stroke. Additionally, people with high blood pressure (140/90+) have about twice the risk of stroke as people with normal blood pressure (120/80.)When it comes to treating stroke, fast and appropriate treatment is crucial to the patient's ability to survive and have the best possible outcome. Fast and appropriate treatment are the key words.
"The Bassett Healthcare Stroke Center has established a communication process with EMS providers for the rapid transport and treatment of stroke patients," said Paul Deringer, M.D., Medical Director of the Bassett Stroke Center. "Stroke patients need fast, appropriate treatment, but the most effective treatment is only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first three hours of the first symptoms." 
"Every minute counts in the case of stroke," added Connie Jastremski, R.N., Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services. "Just as time is muscle in the case of heart attack, time is brain in the case of stroke," said Jastremski. "Many people don't realize they may not be candidates for stroke treatments if they arrive at the hospital after that three-hour window. That's why it is so important to call 9-1-1 immediately."
Recovery from stroke is a challenging journey that can last a lifetime. It can also be a new beginning with many unexpected positive benefits. Situations, needs and finances often change for stroke survivors and their families. Helpful links are listed below:
If your community group would like a representative from Bassett Healthcare's Stroke Team to present stroke education information, contact Martha Twichell, R.N., Nursing Education Department, at 607-547-6319. |
