Stroke

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a serious cause of long-term disability in America. A stroke happens about every 40 seconds and someone dies from a stroke about every 4 minutes.

Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (NMH) is Joint Commission (TJC) certified as a Primary Stroke Center (PSC). NMH services, include, but not limited to, the following:

• A team of physicians, nurses, and technicians experienced in treating stroke come together in an emergency to form an acute stroke team which is available 24 hours a day for any person(s) exhibiting stroke symptoms.
• The Emergency Department staff members are experienced in diagnosing and treating stroke victims. They are able to maintain communication with emergency medical responders in the field.
• The emergency medical responders work together with NMH to ensure early communication of potential stroke victims.
• The Emergency Department physicians are qualified to administer t-PA, a “clot busting” medication, to appropriate stroke victims.
• NMH has written protocols and electronic (computerized) ordering systems to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of stroke.
• NMH offers 24-hour neuro-imaging services (CT Scan, MRI, X-Ray) to rapidly make a decision if a patient has a potential ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• NMH has laboratory services available 24-hours a day.
• Cardiac imaging, such as echocardiograms, are available.
• Quality metrics are used to monitor performance and make improvements in the stroke program. A national registry (Get-With-The-Guidelines) is an important tool for analysis.
• NMH physicians and staff who assist stroke victims during all phases of their care (emergency, inpatient, transition to discharge) receive continuing education.
• Community education is performed regularly to spread information on stroke recognition, potential treatment with early intervention, risk factors and prevention.

Nanticoke Memorial Hospital is Primary Stroke Center that partners with a Comprehensive Stroke Center. A Comprehensive Stroke Center provides specialized services and procedures, such as clot retrieval, for clots blocking a main blood vessel. If those types of services are required, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital will safely transfer the person to a Comprehensive Stroke Center. For patients who do not require specialized services, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital provides inpatient services to those who experience a stroke or stroke-like symptoms. Services include all aspects of care from emergency attention through the discharge process.