Expert care doesn't mean expert results.
Big f*cking whoopee.
http://www.koamtv.com/story/29523149/freeman-earns-highest-stroke-designation-in-the-area
Freeman Health System has taken a major stride forward in improving
the quality of healthcare in the four-state area. Designated a Level II
Stroke Center by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,
Freeman is the first and only hospital in the area to earn this
distinction.
With 795,000 cases occurring in the U.S. each year,
stroke is the nation’s number-five killer and the leading cause of
long-term disability. It can take away a patient’s mobility, motor
skills, speech, dignity and pride and devastate families. When treating a
person with stroke symptoms, quick response time and high-level care
are paramount. Prompt treatment for acute ischemic stroke reduces
disability and improves outcomes. Recently enacted state laws provide
the Department of Health and Senior Services the authority to create
designated stroke centers that meet standards to provide definitive and
timely treatment for stroke patients (RSMo 190.241). The law also
stipulates that “patients who suffer a stroke shall be transported to a
stroke center.” The law goes on to state that a healthcare professional
shall instruct ambulance personnel to transport a patient to the closest
designated stroke center, even when the hospital is located outside of
the ambulance service's primary service area.
Level II Stroke
Center designation means the state has verified that Freeman provides
the highest level of expert care for patients with stroke/transient
ischemic attack. Freeman is the only Level II stroke center within an
80-mile radius of the Joplin area. Freeman is the only state recognized
certified stroke center in the Joplin area. Besides Freeman, the closest
Level II Stroke Center is in Springfield, which means local emergency
responders are required to bring stroke patients to Freeman unless the
patient indicates a desire to be taken somewhere else.
To earn the
Level II Stroke Center designation, Freeman completed an extensive and
detailed certification process that included paramedics, nursing staff,
radiology staff, physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, system quality
analysts and administration. The hospital had to demonstrate not only
that it has the providers and resources needed to treat stroke patients,
but that its physicians and staff have met and will continue to meet
strict standards of education and demonstrate proficiency in the latest
proven stroke treatments.
“This is one of the best things we’ve
ever done for the community,” said Dr. Saba Habis, Freeman Vice
President of Medical Affairs. “It is a testament to the level of
commitment of Freeman’s staff. Everyone has a loved one or knows someone
who has been touched by the tragedy of a stroke. At Freeman, we do
everything we can to give stroke patients their lives back. We have our
response down to a process, and we’ve seen what that process can do. To
be able to give our patients a second chance is nothing short of
miraculous. This is our commitment to the communities we serve.”
The
Level II Stroke Center designation is part of the state’s Time Critical
Diagnosis system (myocardial infarction, stroke, trauma), a new
statewide emergency care model that aims to improve both the speed and
quality of care to stroke patients. The system coordinates the 911
response system, ambulance services and hospitals in a comprehensive,
integrated approach. Participation in the new system is voluntary for
hospitals.
Stroke is a sudden brain dysfunction due to a
disturbance in the brain’s blood circulation. The resulting impairments
include but are not limited to paralysis, slurred speech, and vision
loss. Ischemic strokes account for over 80-87 percent of all strokes and
are typically caused by obstruction of cerebral blood vessels.
Hemorrhagic strokes account for the remaining strokes and are typically
caused by rupture of a cerebral artery.
When it comes to stroke,
rehabilitation is an important component of the overall treatment
strategy. Although individuals may survive the initial stroke, many are
left with disabilities that might have been minimized had they received
intensive physical rehabilitation that could improve function and reduce
long-term disability. As many as 60 percent of stroke victims are left
with diminished use of an arm or leg.
“As the area’s only Level II
Stroke Center, Freeman Health System enables stroke patients to receive
comprehensive care where they can recover, begin therapy, complete a
rehabilitation program and utilize home care or outpatient services.
Every aspect of a patient’s stroke care is available through Freeman. It
is the full circle of recovery, all in one place,” said Linda Dean,
Freeman Director of Accreditation and Clinical Support.
In
addition to providing outstanding patient care, Level II Stroke Centers
must also provide community education. Compliance with state standards
requires a stroke center to place emphasis on educating healthcare
workers and the public about recognition, prevention and treatment of
stroke. Freeman healthcare professionals have presented programs on
stroke in businesses throughout the area. Through programs like Freeman
Screen Team, Freeman Advantage and support groups, Freeman continues to
lead the way in empowering the public with life-saving information. With
the Level II Stroke Center designation, Freeman is setting the standard
for excellence in stroke care throughout the four-state area. (WHAT ABOUT RESULTS?)
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