Aug 7, 2014

Western Health today is providing information regarding the new Stroke Direct Transport Protocol.  The protocol will mean that patients who live north of Hawke’s Bay on the Northern Peninsula may be diverted to Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony in the event of a suspected stroke.

"We know that when a person has a stroke, timely care is critical for their diagnosis and treatment.  The quicker the patient is diagnosed and treatment begins, the greater the possibility of reducing the impact of the stroke on their health,” said Kelli O’Brien Vice President for Rural Health and Long Term Care.  “This is in keeping with national best practices for emergency stroke care.”

A recent agreement between Western Health and Labrador-Grenfell Health will mean that patients who exhibit signs and symptoms of a stroke may be transferred to Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital.  This timely access to a Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) scan will improve the likelihood of receiving medication within the national time frame guidelines.  

 

Paramedics will make the decision where to transport the client.  If a client goes to Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, they will remain there for approximately 24 hours and then transferred back to the Western Memorial Regional Hospital Stroke Unit. 

Best practice treatments for stroke care indicate that tPA, a drug that can stop a stroke caused by a blood clot by breaking up the clot, must be administered within 4.5 hours from the last time the person was seen normal to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient. Before tPA can be administered, a CT scan must be completed.

A stroke is a medical emergency that causes a sudden loss of brain function caused by an interruption in blood flow to the brain due to a clot in blood vessels or a rupture of blood vessels in the brain. This causes brain cells in the affected area to die very quickly. A stroke can be treated.  Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:  headache, weakness, dizziness, trouble speaking, and blurred vision.  When you recognize the signs of stroke you should call your local emergency number or ambulance immediately.

Western Health, in partnership with Labrador-Grenfell Health is committed to providing the highest quality care for its patients, clients and residents.

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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca