On June 9, Underwood received notification that it has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. 

 

This designation recognizes that Underwood meets the responsibility to evaluate, to stabilize, and to provide emergency care to patients with acute strokes. And, then depending on the patient’s needs, we provide inpatient care or transfer the patient to a comprehensive stroke center. 

 

Why is this so important to Underwood and our community? It defines the level of care that we can provide for a stroke patient that either begins with the EMS/Emergency Department team, or the Rapid Response Team for patients already admitted.  

 

The protocols outline the best diagnosis and treatment options starting with identifying the stroke and determining whether the patient may be eligible for clot-busting therapy. The stroke patient is then admitted to our Stroke Unit on 7 East (or PCU if 7 East is full) where Underwood continues to meet the primary stroke care guidelines through acute care, rehabilitation, and education. 

 

Congratulations to the team who has worked so hard to ensure that our stroke care meets the Primary Stroke Center Certification Criteria:

 

James M. Bonner, DO, Emergency Medicine

Michael J. Denner, MD, Neurology

Carissa C. Pineda, MD, Physician Administrative Director, Primary Stroke Center 

Paul M. Lambrecht, vice president, Clinical & Support Services

Terri Campana, Critical Care Clinical Specialist

James Baca, director, Emergency Medical Services

Marita Schroy, coordinator, Patient Education

Carol Aff, director, Laboratory Services

Mike Massaro, director, Pharmacy

Reenie Sacchetti, director, Radiology

Bonnie Zahn, director, Health Information Management

Jane Brook, director, Quality Management

Beth McFarland, director, Emergency Department

Nadine Coralluzzo, nurse manager,, Emergency Department

Peggy Soucek, director, PM&R

Kim Plum, nurse manager, MSICU

Penny Smith, charge nurse/clinical educator, 7 East/PCU

Julie Powers, nurse manager, PCU & 7 East

 

 

And, the important message is to Act F.A.S.T.:

 

Face             facial droop; uneven smile

Arm               arm numbness; arm weakness

Speech        slurred speech; difficulty speaking or understanding

Time              call 911 and get to the hospital immediately.