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When it comes to stroke care, time is brain. Every minute that passes during a stroke increases the potential for brain damage, which makes receiving care quickly the key to survival and recovery.
Stroke victims in Jefferson County and surrounding rural communities will now save even more time and brain thanks to the higher level of care provided by Mercy Hospital Jefferson. The Time Critical Diagnosis Unit of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has newly certified Mercy Hospital Jefferson as a Level 2 Stroke Center, upgrading the hospital from its previous Level 3 designation.
A stroke occurs when a clot blocks a blood vessel to the brain or a blood vessel bursts, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain. It is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.
As a Level 2 Stroke Center, Mercy Jefferson is a primary receiving hospital for stroke patients. Mercy Jefferson caregivers have the expertise and resources to provide most aspects of stroke care, including thrombolytic therapy (the use of medication to dissolve the blood clot responsible for a stroke) and the important care needed immediately after thrombolysis. The Mercy Jefferson stroke program includes a specialized stroke team to care for patients right away and an acute rehabilitation team capable of providing extended physical rehabilitation after a patient is discharged from acute hospital care.
“We have been working diligently for the last five years to build our stroke program to this point,” said Dr. Karthik Iyer, Mercy Jefferson chief medical officer. “We focus on following research-based guidelines, collaborating across different teams and specialties within Mercy Jefferson, and gaining valuable experience caring for stroke patients. It really has taken everyone across the hospital to earn this designation.”
“A Level 2 Stroke Center is an amazing resource to have here in Jefferson County,” said Dr. Marshall Kirsch, Mercy Jefferson stroke program medical director. “It also makes us a vital link to the rural communities surrounding Jefferson County by providing this critical care without the need to head all the way to St. Louis.”
To receive optimal stroke care, it is important to recognize the signs of a stroke. A helpful phrase for spotting stroke symptoms is BE FAST — balance, eyes, face, arms and speech, which can all indicate a possible stroke. The “T” stands for time as a reminder that seeking treatment quickly is the key to survival and recovery.
In addition to its new designation as a Level 2 Stroke Center, Mercy Jefferson earned the Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll designations. The Get With the Guidelines award honors hospitals that follow nationally recognized, research-based guidelines to treat stroke and educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
