MidState Medical Center proudly announces that its stroke program has earned designation as a Primary Stroke Center from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. By achieving this certification MidState’s Stroke Center has met the rigorous standards put in place by the American Stroke Association.
The designation was based on the existence and evaluation of 10 key components that included, creation of the acute stroke team, thorough written care protocols, strong organizational commitment and support, widespread community education, and excellent neurosurgical, neuroimaging and laboratory services.
“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment. Our certification by the state of Connecticut means that we have a high quality stroke program that is patient-focused, with clear cut guidelines for evaluation and treatment,” said Lori Nohilly, RN, Director of Inpatient Medicine.
“This is a special recognition, as MidState is one of the first hospitals in the state to receive such designation. This distinction speaks to our dedication to progressive quality care for our community,” said Cindy Russo, Vice President of Patient Care.
Every effort to save time is critical when dealing with a stroke patient. The faster a patient is evaluated and treated, the greater the chance for a more favorable outcome. Pat Giannelli, APRN, Stroke Coordinator, agrees: “There is a window of time from the onset of symptoms in which the appropriate therapy can be initiated. Our recent certification is an indicator that our institution has the ability to deliver quick and comprehensive care.”
In fact, three MidState Stroke Team members, Michele Colby, RN, Manager of Pavilion D (The Stroke Unit), Giannelli and Nohilly, recently became certified in conducting the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. This tool serves as a predictor of patient outcomes. It is used to evaluate presenting neurological symptoms and assist with determining the most appropriate treatment regimen to employ.
Our multidisciplinary team of neurologists, physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, dieticians, social workers, resource managers, pharmacists and nursing assistants work collaboratively to quickly stabilize the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate plan of care. In addition, input is given by our physical and occupational therapists along with the speech pathologists to help the patients achieve their highest level of recovery.
In honor of American Stroke Month in May and the American Stroke Association’s “Call to Action” week, MidState Medical Center will be sponsoring several stroke risk assessments: May 14th, 10-12 p.m., the LaPlanche Clinic at the Meriden Senior Center; May 16th, 10-2 p.m., MidState Medical Center conference room VI, and May 21st, 10-2 p.m., MidState Medical Center boardroom. For more information on these screenings, please contact us at (203) 694- 8509.
About MidState
In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, The Weight Center, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care.