Spring 2011: FMH Emergency Services - Frederick Memorial Hospital

Dr. Shahid Rafiq, Medical Director of FMH Primary Stroke Center, with Tom Shupp,
Program Manager for Stroke & Chest Pain
WellAware | Spring 2011 | page 10
FMH Primary
Stroke Center
Provides
Superior
Care
hen blood vessels that supply the
brain suddenly burst or become
blocked, brain cells begin to die from lack of
oxygen and other nutrients. Immediate transport
to a hospital emergency department with a
Primary Stroke Center is crucial so that
treatment—including the dispensing of special
clot-busting drugs when appropriate—can begin
as soon as possible.
Citizens of Frederick County and environs can rest easier knowing that just such a treatment option is available locally at Frederick
Memorial Hospital. Designated by the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Service Systems (MIEMSS) as a Primary Stroke
Center, and recently awarded a Stroke Center Bronze Performance Award by the American Heart Association, the FMH Primary
Stroke Center provides a methodical and organized approach to the care of patients suffering a “brain attack.”
According to Medical Director of the FMH
Stroke Program Dr. Shahid Rafiq, the FMH
stroke team uses CT and MRI technologies
within minutes of a patient’s arrival in the
Emergency Room to determine if the individual
has had a stroke, and, if so, what kind. Dr.
Rafiq, an experienced neurologist, rapidly
evaluates the data, either deciding to administer
a clot-busting drug known as t-PA, perform
emergent surgery or arrange rapid transfers to
the ICU intensive care unit.
“At the FMH Primary Stroke Center, our
treatment protocols are extremely important,”
says Dr. Rafiq. “But we are also committed to
educating people about the risk factors for
stroke, and the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.” “
W
“ FMH ER Patient Compliments
appreciated the follow up calls.”
concerns.”
“I just wanted to thank everyone for the excellent care I received
there yesterday. I have never had a doctor actually sit down and
explain things to me like Dr. Pepper did, and I loved his name!
Everyone on the team was exceptional! And I especially
--Tamara Frank
“I was extremely impressed with the care I received at the FMH
Emergency Department. Everyone was great, especially
Margaret and the nurse she was training. They eased all of my
--Richard Dorn