When someone is having a stroke, time is tissue. According to the Providence Stroke/Stemi Coordinator, Ann Beck, BSN, RN. Getting to the closest Stroke Center or Stroke Ready facility can make an immense difference with stroke recovery and quality of life.
As a Primary Stroke Center, Providence has staff and processes and specially trained professionals in place to ensure best practices when a patient presents to the Medical Center with a stroke, including:
- Use of new clot breaking medications. These medicines can only work if the patient arrives at the hospital within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
- Board certified ER Physicians, as well as Dr. Yaw Sarpong, neurosurgeon, and neurologist, Dr. James Appelbaum
- Strong ER, ICU, and Stroke Unit nursing teams
- CTs and CTAs performed in a timely manner
- The Joint Commission stroke certification as a Primary Stroke Center
- Accomplishment with the Get with the Guidelines for Stroke program from the American Heart /Stroke Association.
- Blue Sky Telemedicine consults, expanding the hospital’s physician base
Ann’s work helps the hospital stay current with accreditations and national recommendations for stroke care. Part of that work includes educating staff, reviewing stroke criteria and best practices, and educating both seasoned and new nurses on how to chart about stroke in the patient record. In addition, she is active with community initiatives related to stroke and CPR education.
“What really gets us excited is seeing how we’re affecting lives in Wyandotte County,” Ann said. “Our greatest reward is serving our patients. That’s why we’re committed to turning treatment guidelines into lifelines.”
Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association achieving Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certification means Providence is making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for patients experiencing a stroke. This designation reflects Providence’ commitment to of high quality of care that meets the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.