Mary Rutan Hospital has been recognized for excellence in stroke care, ranking second among 34 hospitals participating in The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Telestroke Program for door-to-needle performance.
The recognition highlights the work of Mary Rutan Hospital’s Emergency Department and local emergency medical services partners in quickly treating eligible stroke patients.
Door-to-needle time measures how long it takes from a patient’s arrival at the hospital until intravenous clot-busting medication is administered to an eligible patient experiencing an ischemic stroke.
Because stroke treatment is extremely time-sensitive, reducing that time can be critical to improving patient outcomes.
Mary Rutan Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Grace Rodriguez says every minute matters when someone is experiencing a stroke.
Rodriguez says the recognition reflects the teamwork that begins when a patient enters the emergency care system. She credited the hospital’s Emergency Department team, local EMS providers and the Telestroke Program for quickly identifying strokes and providing appropriate treatment.
The ranking places Mary Rutan second overall among the 34 hospitals participating in the program.
The recognition also highlights the role local EMS agencies play in the stroke response process. Rapid assessment, communication, and transportation by EMS personnel help ensure patients receive timely evaluation and treatment when they arrive at the hospital.
Through its participation in Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Telestroke Program, Mary Rutan Hospital has access to specialized stroke expertise to assist with the evaluation and treatment of patients experiencing stroke symptoms.
Mary Rutan Health is reminding residents to know the warning signs of a stroke and seek emergency care immediately.
Signs can include sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness in an arm, difficulty speaking, vision changes, dizziness, or loss of balance.
Anyone experiencing possible stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately.
