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February 19, 2009
Hospital News
Venice Regional Medical Center Achieves Primary Stroke Center Designation
Venice Regional Medical Center has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA). The certification verifies that the Hospital has met the criteria for Primary Stroke Centers which The Joint Commission has set for its national designation and which AHCA has incorporated into its criteria as well. “Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. Residents of south Sarasota County need to know that Venice Regional Medical Center can provide excellent care for the stroke patient should the need arise,” according to Robin McGuinness, chief nursing officer at the Hospital. “Through the certification program, we are evaluated based on our compliance with national standards; effective use of primary stroke center recommendations and clinical practice guidelines to optimize care; and performance measurement and improvement activities. Venice Regional has demonstrated proficiency in all of these areas.”
According to the National Stroke Association, a Stroke is a “brain attack”, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Stroke is considered the third leading cause of death in the U.S., killing an estimated 160,000 people each year. It is also the leading cause of adult disability. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age. “Since an estimated two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, we work closely with local emergency medical services personnel and the members of the Hospital’s Acute Stroke Team (AST) to anticipate needs and expedite treatment for the patient in order to minimize the damage,” said McGuinness. “Just as with a heart attack, everyone should become familiar with the symptoms that accompany a stroke.”
The National Stroke Association also sets out the following guidelines for symptoms of a common stroke:
* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side
of the body.
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you or someone you know displays any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
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