HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY NEWS
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Trio of hospitals team up to fight effects of stroke
The partnership is part of an Orange County Health Care Agency awareness campaign.
BY JENNA SWEENEYPublished: November 18, 2010 10:12 AM
Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, St. Joseph Hospital in Orange and St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton are teaming up for a program that aims to raise awareness about stroke, its symptoms and available resources. With more than 7,000 people in Orange County falling victim to stroke, it is the leading causing of death in the region. Nationally, it’s the third-leading cause.
“The reality is that many stroke victims deny their symptoms,” said Dr. Clyde Wesp, medical director for St. Joseph Health System, which runs the three hospitals. “Time is the most important factor in ensuring proper treatment with advanced medications like clot-busting drugs. Ideally, we have only a few hours to administer treatment that has the potential to reverse the effects of stroke and reduce the chance for death and disability. Education about signs and symptoms of stroke is our best tool for improving patients’ odds of a successful outcome.”
A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted or blocked when a blood vessel bursts. If blood flow remains impeded, the brain does not receive oxygen and permanent damage becomes possible.
The partnership is part of the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Stroke-Neurology System. And it couldn’t come at a better time. A report by the County’s Health Care Agency found that nearly 50 percent of all stroke patients in Orange County are not taken to a hospital emergency’s room or other medical professional.
“We can’t have half of all stroke victims seeking treatment on their own,” said Wesp. “That means they are driving themselves to the hospital, calling their doctor first or, even worse, just denying their symptoms.”
St. Joseph Health System's hospitals plan on offering stroke screenings, educational forums and outreach efforts to community groups. The medical group plans on promoting the campaign online, through the mail and by direct advertising. And a stroke assessment test is available at sjhsstroke.com.
Related headlines
Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center expands services
Bank of America grants $450,000 to O.C. nonprofits
Komen O.C. Affiliate honors area volunteers
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“The reality is that many stroke victims deny their symptoms,” said Dr. Clyde Wesp, medical director for St. Joseph Health System, which runs the three hospitals. “Time is the most important factor in ensuring proper treatment with advanced medications like clot-busting drugs. Ideally, we have only a few hours to administer treatment that has the potential to reverse the effects of stroke and reduce the chance for death and disability. Education about signs and symptoms of stroke is our best tool for improving patients’ odds of a successful outcome.” A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted or blocked when a blood vessel bursts. If blood flow remains impeded, the brain does not receive oxygen and permanent damage becomes possible. The partnership is part of the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Stroke-Neurology System. And it couldn’t come at a better time. A report by the County’s Health Care Agency found that nearly 50 percent of all stroke patients in Orange County are not taken to a hospital emergency’s room or other medical professional. “We can’t have half of all stroke victims seeking treatment on their own,” said Wesp. “That means they are driving themselves to the hospital, calling their doctor first or, even worse, just denying their symptoms.” St. Joseph Health System's hospitals plan on offering stroke screenings, educational forums and outreach efforts to community groups. The medical group plans on promoting the campaign online, through the mail and by direct advertising. And a stroke assessment test is available at sjhsstroke.com. Related headlines Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center expands services Bank of America grants $450,000 to O.C. nonprofits Komen O.C. Affiliate honors area volunteers |
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