vim - Marion General Hospital

TELERADIOLOGY
What is it Teleradiology uses standard network technologies
such as the Internet, telephone lines, wide area networks
or local area networks, and specialized software to quickly
and safely transmit a patient’s radiologic images (such as
brain scans), to another location to be read and interpreted by
specialists who are available 24/7.
Why is it important Teleradiology improves patient
care by allowing radiologists to provide services without
actually having to be at the patient’s location.
This is particularly important when subspecialists such as
MRI radiologists, neuroradiologists, pediatric radiologists or
musculoskeletal radiologists are needed, because these professionals
are generally only in large metropolitan areas.
TIME IS BRAIN
Every second counts when a patient is experiencing a
stroke. Early medical treatment can reduce the risk of death
or disability.
Telemedicine and teleradiology, and the close cooperation
of the network hospitals, help to quickly identify patients
who may benefit from treatment options beyond those available
at their local hospitals.
After a thorough evaluation by network specialists, a
patient can be efficiently transported to Fort Wayne for further
intervention and treatment, if needed.
Since its inception in March 2007, the StrokeCareNow
Network has quickly grown to a total of 20 tri-state (Indiana,
Michigan and Ohio) hospitals.
CALL
Education
Comes to You
If your organization would like someone to
speak about stroke and stroke care, please call
MGH Community Outreach at 765-662-4849.
MGH’s experienced emergency room physicians, nurses
and staff and clinical department members have been specially
trained in the detection and management of acute
stroke and use the same treatment protocols as the hub hospitals
(Parkview and Lutheran) in Fort Wayne.
The staff training and affiliation with the StrokeCareNow
Network has already had a positive effect on the lives of several
MGH patients.
“Since the inception of the StrokeCareNow Network, our
physicians have been able to intervene on several patients
who have had complete reversal of their acute stroke symptoms,”
says Tim Drinkard, D.O., MGH emergency room medical
director. “For the appropriate patient, this new technology
offers the highest level of care.”
The best stroke care in the region is now available locally,
close to home, at Marion General Hospital.
Sources: www.strokecarenow.com and www.strokeassociation.org
LESS THAN ONE IN TEN stroke victims get
to the hospital on time for a meaningful recovery.
KNOW THE SIGNS of stroke and act F.A.S.T.!
Facial weakness: Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop
A rm and leg weakness: Ask the person
to raise both arms. Does one arm drift
downward
S peech problems: Ask the person to
repeat a simple sentence. Are the words
slurred Is the sentence repeated correctly
Tim e is critical: If the person shows any of
these symptoms, time is important. Call 911
immediately … brain cells are dying.
These
stroke facts
are included
on signs
throughout
MGH.
Vim & Vigor · SPRING 2011 5