Fast, High Quality Stroke Treatment

“We are very proud to serve as Primary Stroke Centers — a service that will further enhance care in the Southcoast region,” said Ronald B. Goodspeed, MD, MPH, President of Southcoast Hospitals Group. “The Primary Stroke Service regulations were developed to ensure patients receive the best possible stroke care available. Our receiving designation is another example of Southcoast’s commitment to providing essential services.”

Those services include: having care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; onsite neuro-imaging services, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); laboratory services; neurosurgical services; quality assessment and improvement programs and the ongoing collection and analysis of data related to stroke. The education of staff and an extensive community education plan were also required under the designation. “All employees need to know the warning signs of stroke and what to do,” said Marcia Liggin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast.

Southcoast also is working to teach community members the importance of recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly when someone might be having a stroke. Southcoast’s website www.southcoast.org/stroke contains helpful links to community outreach programs, screenings and local and national stroke support groups and resources.

“Knowing the signs of stroke is just as important as knowing the signs of a heart attack,” Liggin said. “We want to continue to educate the community on the signs, symptoms and treatment of stroke and the importance of receiving medical treatment quickly.

“It is the shared goal of DPH and Southcoast to improve stroke care and awareness throughout our region,” Liggin said. “Under the new Primary Stroke Service designation, Southcoast will continue to provide advanced services and quality care for stroke patients.”

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