Published: May 1, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - May is National Stroke Awareness month and Sparrow's nationally recognized Stroke Center is tapping into iPads and remote monitors to help diagnose and provide crucial, potentially life-saving treatment to stroke Patients at regional Emergency Departments in mid-Michigan.
The launch of mid-Michigan's first Telestroke network allows Sparrow Caregivers to teleconference with Physicians and Patients at surrounding hospitals such as Sparrow Ionia, Sparrow Clinton, and Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital.
"By utilizing an iPad and talking to physicians at surrounding locations, we're able to help save lives," said Anmar Razak, M.D., Sparrow Stroke Neurologist and incoming Director of the Telestroke program. "Time is imperative when it comes to stroke treatment, so being able to teleconference in real time can drastically improve a Patient's chances of making a full recovery."
The new innovative technology will help to transform the way care is delivered in mid-Michigan by allowing emergency physicians and stroke neurologists to help treat Patients in a timely manner. It also gives Patients the ability to access treatment from Sparrow - one of America's best hospitals for stroke treatment.
"We are excited to share the expertise of the first and only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state of Michigan with our affiliated network hospitals," Dr. Razak added. "This program will enable us to treat more stroke Patients with time-sensitive clot-busting therapy and improve outcomes."
Physicians and their Patients at regional Emergency Departments will now have the opportunity for direct, immediate video consultation with stroke neurology experts at the Sparrow Stroke Center, via iPad.
The Sparrow Stroke Center is Michigan's first and only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. It has been nationally recognized for excellent service for nearly a decade, earning numerous awards such as the distinction of a Gold Plus Performer by the American Stroke Association. The Center also is ranked among the nation's fastest for the delivery of powerful stroke-stopping treatments, making it one of America's best hospitals for stroke treatment.
As part of National Stroke Awareness Month, Hayes Green Beach and Sparrow will sponsor a lunch and learn presentation with Syed Hussain, M.D., Medical Director of Stroke Services at Sparrow and a Michigan State University HealthTeam neurologist. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte.