Stroke Care at Baptist Health System

More people seek stroke care from Baptist hospitals than any other in San Antonio.

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Efforts at Baptist Health System to improve stroke care in San Antonio are resulting in recognition for excellence, but the real winners are the patients whose lives and health are saved. The improvements in stroke care taken by Baptist have earned the health system a number of prestigious honors and awards, but more importantly it has earned the trust of patients and their families. In 2010, more patients chose Baptist hospitals for stroke care than any other hospital in Bexar County. In fact, nearly half of all Bexar County stroke patients -- 47 percent -- were treated at Baptist, with the next hospital treating about 33 percent.

What You Need to Know
You too can save a life by knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke. It's simple.
Just remember the acronym F.A.S.T.

F = Face: Is one side of the face drooping down?

A = Arm: Can the person raise both arms, or is one arm weak?

S = Speech: Is speech slurred or confusing?

T = Time: Time is critical!! Call 9-1-1 immediately!

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Baptist Health System, the only Target: Stroke Honor Roll hospitals in Texas.

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At a news conference on December 14, 2010, Baptist Health System announced its inclusion in the American Heart Association's Target: Stroke Honor Roll. Baptist is the first and only health system in Texas to achieve this status. 900 hospitals have enrolled in Target Stroke, and as of November 30, only 32 have made the honor roll.

"Bottom line, patients put their trust in Baptist, and we are working to make sure they can have confidence that they are receiving excellent, quality care," said Chief Nursing Executive Tommye Austin. "This has been a journey toward excellence that has involved a large team of people - not only at Baptist but our physician partners, the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, EMS agencies, the American Heart Association and many more."

Target: Stroke is a national quality improvement campaign of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association designed to improve outcomes for ischemic stroke patients. Target Stroke Honor Roll status means that Baptist hospitals get stroke patients the medical treatment they need in under the national goal of 60 minutes. The Target Stroke goal is 50 percent and Baptist has achieved 72 percent.

"This is critically important because one minute of brain ischemia can kill 2 million nerve cells and 14 billion synapses," said neurologist Dicky Huey, Medical Director of the Baptist Brain & Stroke Network. "The more time that elapses before intravenous stroke medications called tPA are administered, the slimmer the odds of a good outcome." One way Baptist hospitals reduce the "door to needle" times is by having EMS crews take possible stroke patients directly from the ambulance to radiology for scans of the brain which can tell doctors what it going on. "This improved process saves time, but ultimately it saves lives and reduces disability from stroke because time lost, is brain lost," said Dr. Huey.

Another key in improving stroke care at Baptist has been the partnership with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC).

"We have come a long way from virtually no coordinated stroke care in San Antonio to providing among the best stroke care in the nation," said David Jimenez, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at UTHSC. "We started talking three years ago about how to improve stroke care in San Antonio, and within a short time we were able to achieve Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification Center of Excellence status for raising the level of stroke care in San Antonio in all 5 Baptist hospitals. Baptist invested in the equipment that has allowed our surgeons to perform life saving procedures not possible before. This latest achievement is a credit to their commitment to our patients, their families and the community at large."

The coordinated effort to improve stroke care takes everyone working as a team, EMS, the emergency department, doctors, nurses, radiology and laboratory teams. Because strokes happen around the clock Baptist has implemented an innovative program called "specialists on call," which means there is expert clinical stroke care around the clock, 24/7.

In November Baptist earned another honor for stroke care from the American Heart Association - The Bronze "Get with the Guidelines" seal of approval. During the news conference, stroke teams from each of the five Baptist hospitals were presented with certificates of appreciation for their hard work and dedication on behalf of their patients.

For more information on Target: Stroke go to: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/Professionals/Target-Stroke-Honor-Roll-in-alphabetical-order_UCM_318484_Article.jsp

We're Passionate About Your Heart, and Your Brain

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Who loves your heart and brain as much as you do? The clinical teams at the five Baptist hospitals. That is why our cardiac and stroke teams have worked so hard to achieve the highest standards in treating heart attack and stroke quickly. These nurses, doctors and supporting staff understand that time is muscle and brain. Their focused attention to constantly improving accuracy and time have earned Baptist a number of prestigious honors and awards, but the real winners are the patients whose lives and health are saved.

Target Stroke Honor Roll - given by the American Heart Association in December when Baptist demonstrated that they had achieved the target stroke treatment times for emergency patients nearly 74 percent of the time. The AHA goal is 50 percent, and the national average is 27 percent.

Bronze Award for Stroke - given by the American Heart Association in November when Baptist demonstrated exemplary compliance in stroke treatment through the AHA Get with the Guidelines program.

Bronze Award for Heart Failure - given by the American Heart Association in July when Baptist demonstrated exemplary compliance in heart failure treatment through the AHA Get with the Guidelines program.

Primary Stroke Center designation - given by The Joint Commission in May. All five Baptist hospitals earned this distinction, the first in San Antonio to receive it.

Chest Pain Center Accreditation - given by the Society for Chest Pain Centers, first in 2005 and re-certified in 2008.

Medicare Value-Based Cardiac Care Center designation - given by Medicare to the Baptist hospitals, which are the only hospitals in Texas to have received it.

The Brain & Stroke Network's Stroke Awareness Tips

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke occurs when one of your blood vessels clots or bursts, interrupting the flow of blood to your brain. Consequently, your brain cannot get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function, and brain tissue starts dying within minutes.

If caused by a blood clot, it's called an ischemic stroke. The clot can occur in a blood vessel elsewhere in your body and then travel to your brain or it can form in an artery that supplies blood to your brain. If a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into or around your brain, it's called a hemorrhagic stroke.

What Can I Do?

Act FAST. By knowing the symptoms of a stroke, you can identify one and get help quickly. Use this simple test to recognize the warning signs of stroke.

Face

Ask the person to smile. Does their face look uneven?

Arms

Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one weak or numb?

Speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does their speech sound strange?

Time

Call 911 immediately.

Remember: you've only got a 3-hour window to get the treatment it takes to minimize long-term, debilitating effects.

Stroke Survivor Support Group

Join the Stroke Survivor Support Group. The group offers education, support and resources for individuals and families who have been affected by stroke.

Meetings are held at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital and at Baptist Medical Center.

St. Luke's Baptist Hospital
Every 3rd Thursday at 2pm
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 21
Click here for more information

Baptist Medical Center
Every 1st Tuesday at 2pm
Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 5
Click here for more information

Meet Baptiste

Watch Baptiste's story and learn how to identify the symptoms of stroke.

Learn more at the Brain & Stroke Network .

Baptist Health System Hospitals Earn Primary Stroke Center Certification

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ten months after developing�The Brain & Stroke Network to improve stroke care in San Antonio and South Texas, Baptist Health System has earned Primary Stroke Center Certification. Certification came from The Joint Commission. Baptist Health System earned this distinction of being the first in San Antonio to be certified, after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in May of 2009.

"We're proud to achieve the distinction," says Trip Pilgrim, President and CEO of Baptist Health System. "Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes Baptist Health System's commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community. Our staff across the system, and affiliated physicians, have worked hard to earn this certification, which gives the people of our region the assurance of top-quality stroke care."

The Brain & Stroke Network at Baptist Health System operates in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and private neurologists, and provides round-the-clock stroke care for patients across San Antonio and South Texas.

"This certification by the Joint Commission recognizes the quality of care being delivered by The Brain & Stroke Network at Baptist Health System," said David Jimenez, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Health Science Center. We are very pleased to be a part of a program that is leading the way in the delivery of excellent stroke care for San Antonio and South Texas."

Suzanne DelBoccio, Vice President Neurosciences and Orthopedics at Baptist Health System, who led the effort to earn certification, noted that the city-wide reach of the Brain & Stroke Network is essential to comprehensive service. "Stroke can happen anywhere, anytime, so our commitment has been to assure that each of our hospitals: Baptist Medical Center, North Central Baptist Hospital, Northeast Baptist Hospital, Southeast Baptist Hospital and St. Luke's Baptist Hospital, are stroke-ready and fully certified," she said.

"Baptist Health System demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients," says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission. Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke ever 45 second and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

Join the Stroke Survivor Support Group at Baptist Medical Center

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us and be a part of our Community Support Group.

Develop friendships

Share experiences

Become inspired

Our Stroke Support Group is a community organization for stroke survivors and their family members as well as friends. It helps people learn more about stroke, and become inspired to move forward after experiencing a stroke.

Seeking support from others who have experienced stroke can be a huge benefit to the recovery process. Our support group will give you and others an opportunity to share feelings, ideas, resources, and often provide important education for survivors and caregivers alike.

Relationship building can make a big difference in your and your loved one's life.

Learn constructive communication skills through open and honest group discussions.

Develop the emotional support you need to keep living your life

Talking to others by sharing experiences can help reduce stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.

When:

Time:

Location:

Every 1st Tuesday

2:00 p.m.

Baptist Medical Center�
111 Dallas Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Maps & Directions

For more information call (210) 297-8191 (select option 2).

Support Group also available at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What Is A Stroke?

What Can I Do?

Act FAST. By knowing the symptoms of a stroke, you can identify one and get help quickly. Use this simple test to recognize the warning signs of stroke.

Face

Ask the person to smile. Does their face look uneven?

Arms

Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one weak or numb?

Speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does their speech sound strange?

Time

Call 911 immediately.

Remember: you've only got a 3-hour window to get the treatment it takes to minimize long-term, debilitating effects.��

Stroke Survivor Support Group

Join the�Stroke Survivor Support Group. The group�offers education, support and resources for individuals and families who have�been affected by stroke.�

Meetings are held�at�St. Luke's�Baptist Hospital and at Baptist Medical Center.

St. Luke's Baptist Hospital
Every�3rd Thursday at 2pm
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 21
Click here for more information

Baptist Medical Center
Every 1st Tuesday at 2pm
Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 5
Click here for more information

Meet Baptiste

Watch Baptiste's story and learn how to identify the symptoms�of stroke.�

Learn more at the� Brain & Stroke Network .

�

"Starting Now" Stroke Education Program

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Are you or a family member at risk of having a stroke or currently recovering from a stroke? "Starting Now" is a free stroke education program offered by Baptist Health System in San Antonio. Stroke education classes for patients and caregivers, are just a few of the services offered for patients recovering from stroke through the Brain and Stroke Network at Baptist Health System.

Session 1 - Mondays
Understanding the Risk Factors, Type and Prevention of Strokes

Session 2 - Tuesdays
Understanding the Emotional and Social Changes After a Stroke

Session 3 - Wednesdays
How Stroke Affects Communication, Cognition and Swallowing

Session 4 - Thursdays
How Stroke Affects Mobility and Daily Living

When:

Time:

Location:

Weekly

3 p.m.�

St. Luke's Baptist Hospital
Rehabilitation Dining Room (3rd floor)�
7930 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Maps & Directions

If you would like to register for a session please call Gayla at (210) 297-5175. Download the schedule.

Stroke Education at Baptist Medical Center
If you are interested in attending a class at Baptist Medical Center in downtown San Antonio�call (210) 297-8191 and select option 2 for class information at Baptist Medical Center.

Join the Stroke Survivor Support Group

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mission Statement:� "To Provide Stroke Survivors and their Families with Support and Informational Resources"
�
Join the�Stroke Survivor Support Group. The group�offers education, support and resources for individuals and families who have�been affected by stroke.

Meetings are held once a month on the third Thursday at 2pm. The meetings are formatted as 30 minutes of presentation and 30 minutes of questions and answers.

When:

Time:

Location:

Every 3rd Thursday

2:00 p.m.

St. Luke's�Baptist Hospital
Acute Rehab Unit�(3rd Floor)
7930 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Parking will be validated
Maps & Directions

For more information call (210) 297-5175.

Support Group also available at Baptist Medical Center.

Baptist Health System Introduces The Brain & Stroke Network

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Brain & Stroke Network at Baptist Health System operates in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and private neurologists, and will provide round-the-clock stroke care for patients across San Antonio and South Texas.��

The Brain and Stroke Network at Baptist Health System brings together all the necessary components to treat patients presenting with stroke - physicians from emergency medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, vascular, and interventional radiology as well as nursing, rehabilitation and other support services. The Network offers services at each of the five Baptist hospitals, with St. Luke's Baptist Hospital designated as the primary location for neurosurgery needs. Additionally, the HealthLink Rehabilitation Centers provide convenient outpatient rehabilitation. Transport from rural areas is accomplished via San Antonio AirLIFE air medical transport, which is owned jointly by Baptist Health System and University Health System.��

"The Brain & Stroke Network is the result of months of work with the community, physicians and clinicians across San Antonio," said Trip Pilgrim, President and CEO of Baptist Health System. "Just as our Heart Alert program significantly reduced the time it takes to treat patients suffering from heart attack, we now also have in place a system, the expertise and resources needed to have a dramatic impact on the treatment of stroke in San Antonio."

Thousands of San Antonians suffer from stroke each year, and the emergency departments of the five Baptist hospitals will be the entry point for many of these patients into the services of the Brain and Stroke Network. "Emergency physicians in the Baptist hospitals are ready," said Tim Taylor, M.D., FACEP, president of Emergency Physicians Affiliates. "The beauty of the excellent geographic location of our Emergency Departments is that it means people receive treatment that much faster. Our emergency specialists now have the consulting support of committed neurologists and neurosurgeons, and we can all work together swiftly for better patient treatment."

Pilgrim heralded the commitment by the UT Health Science Center Department of Neurosurgery as a cornerstone of the new program. An agreement between the Health Science Center Department of Neurosurgery and operational systems set in place by Baptist Health System will ensure that patients suffering any type of stroke will be treated appropriately and quickly without need for transfer outside the city.�"We are very pleased to be part of a solution that makes access to emergency stroke care available to everyone in San Antonio," said David Jimenez, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Health Science Center. "The Brain & Stroke Network is the right answer, at the right time."

Diagnostic support around the clock is now available in the Baptist Health System through new call coverage agreements with local neurologists and through telemedicine neurological coverage. Dicky Huey, M.D, neurologist, will serve as Medical Director of The Brain and Stroke Network.�"With stroke, time is brain. That's why our emergency room staff is specially trained to recognize and triage stroke patients, and our hospitals are equipped with the latest technology available to diagnose and treat stroke patients," said Dr. Huey.

Beyond the agreements with the right specialists, BHS also has developed special clinical protocols as part of The Brain & Stroke Network so that at-risk patients are seen quickly and treated immediately, as time is the greatest enemy when a patient presents with stroke symptoms. Ana Tattersall-Cocke RN, MSN, ACNS-BC, Director, Stroke Services, has been working since January to develop these protocols and educate BHS nursing staff on best practices in stroke treatment.
�
When an emergency room physician in any of the five Baptist hospitals suspects that a patient is having a stroke, a CT scan is ordered. The neurologist on call facilitates an examination of the patient by the ER staff, views the CT scan and has an opportunity to interact with the patient and family members. The neurologist, along with the ER physician, can then make an assessment to determine whether the patient is a candidate for thrombolytic therapy with t-PA medication, which can help halt the damage caused by the stroke if administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms. This drug helps dissolve blood clots that cause ischemic strokes -- the most common type of stroke. If it is determined that the patient does need surgery, the neurosurgeon from the UTHSC group is called.

The Brain & Stroke Network goes beyond providing fast and expert stroke care in an emergency. The network also provides a robust rehabilitation program which consists of physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation nursing, nutrition counseling and psychological support. The team approach includes the patient and their family. Comprehensive stroke rehabilitation programs are located at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital and at Baptist Medical Center, and give patients full access to specialists and services. Neuro-Developmental technique trained therapists and Certified Rehab Nurses are available to work with patients recovering from stroke. All private rooms, excellent discharge planning, and "Starting Now" Stroke Education Classes for patients and care-givers, are just a few of the services offered for patients recovering from stroke through the Brain and Stroke Network at Baptist Health System.��

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff thanked Baptist Health System for taking the lead in developing a program aimed at addressing the need for improved stroke care in San Antonio and Bexar County. "I am very grateful to Baptist for coming up with this solution," said Wolff. "The Brain & Stroke Network, with the involvement of the department of neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, will no doubt dramatically raise the level of stroke care available for our community."

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. That's why Baptist will launch an aggressive public education campaign in conjunction with the launch of the network - in an effort to educate the public on the need to act�FAST if someone is having a stroke. The community education program will begin the week of August 4th and will direct people to a website, www.TheStrokeNetwork.com where stroke education is available. Clinical stroke educators from Baptist Health System and physicians specializing in neurology issues and rehabilitation will reach out to organizations, businesses, clubs and other groups wishing to educate their constituents on stroke.

Baptist Health System has begun taking the necessary steps to become an accredited stroke center by the end of the year.�

Learn More�About Stroke Care at Baptist�
Check out our Stroke Blog