Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Community Healthcare - (Page 50)

Stroke of genius St. Catherine Hospital opens new stroke unit Each year, about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today. Factors that can increase your risk for stroke include high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, and physical inactivity and obesity. A stroke takes place as the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely limited, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Early treatment can make a big difference helping to limit damage to the brain and the potential for stroke complications. With access to some of the most advanced diagnostic technologies, including a CT scanner near the Emergency Department, members of the stroke team work together to diagnose a stroke and begin treatments as quickly as possible. “Our specialized stroke team works together to diagnose and develop a plan of care to help patients who suffer strokes and those at risk live longer, fuller lives,” Birdzell says. “This team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, therapists and rehabilitation The stroke team at St. Catherine Hospital (l-r): Alison Dewes, R.N.; Nina Castro, graduate nurse; professionals gets involved with the Carol Quiroz, unit secretary; Craig Bolda, COO; Gail Kuiper, R.N., nurse manager; Jill Phelps, R.N., patient and their family from their charge nurse and stroke care coordinator; Paula Swenson, chief nursing officer; Donna Smith, charge first point of contact, often in the nurse; JoAnn Birdzell, CEO; Andrea DeLeo, D.O., stroke unit medical director; and Jennifer Ewing, Emergency Department.” stroke care coordinator. Spotlight on St. Catherine hoSpital S troke is a debilitating condition. It can rob you of your ability to speak, walk and perform simple, everyday tasks. Treatment at a specialized stroke center can make all the difference in a stroke patient’s future. Understanding that, when it comes to a stroke, every second counts, St. Catherine Hospital has expanded its neurological services to add an 11-bed unit dedicated to excellence in stroke care. “The investment in such a unit is confirmation that St. Catherine Hospital remains at the forefront of cardiovascular care, stroke treatment and prevention,” says JoAnn Birdzell, chief executive officer of St. Catherine Hospital. EvEry SEcond countS 50 Vim & Vigor • w in ter 2 010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
Special: Stroke of Luck
Healing Heroes from the Inside Out
A Step Ahead of PAD
Smart Moves
Miss Information
Stroke Sense
Gut Feelings
The Scoop on Stress
The Faces of Skin Cancer
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
A Natural Dilemma
17 Reasons to Work in Healthcare
Spotlight on St. Catherine Hospital
Spotlight on St. Mary Medical Center
Spotlight on Community Hospital
Hospitals Unite

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Community Healthcare