HSHS Holy Family Hospital re-designated by IDPH as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital
HSHS Holy Family Hospital was recently re-designated as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH identifies hospitals capable of providing emergent stroke care and directs EMS providers to transport possible acute stroke patients to these hospitals.
Cindy Crouch, RN, emergency department assistant nursing manager, shared, “This re-designation recognizes our emergency stroke care policies and procedures which align with nationally recognized evidence-based standards and criteria. Having these in place allow us to immediately and appropriately respond to stroke patients as soon as they arrive,” Crouch explained. “Receiving this high-level designation once again is a reaffirmation of our commitment to offer exceptional emergency care to our region’s residents.”
Outlined criteria to receive the Acute Stroke Ready designation includes developing and adhering to written emergency stroke protocols and the ability, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide all the following:
- Brain image testing (CT scans)
- Blood coagulation studies
- Use of tenecteplase (TNK) medicine to break up or dissolve blood clots (if appropriate)
Additionally, Holy Family Hospital uses telemedicine to help rapidly diagnose possible stroke patients. Through this program, a telemedicine cart and monitor stationed in Holy Family’s emergency department is used by physicians to allow a tele-neurologist to examine a patient suffering a stroke to help expedite treatment decisions, reduce disability, help many patients avoid unnecessary transfers and ultimately save lives.
