Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

NORTH SUBURBAN MEDICAL CENTER- Thornton , Colorado
Stroke Alert Program

What is it?
Partnering with the neurosciences department at Swedish Medical Center and two county EMS agencies, North Suburban implemented the Stroke Alert program, which brings training, equipment, and expedited stroke care to two of the state’s fastest growing communities.

Who is it for?
Residents of two of Denver’s northern communities in Adams and Weld counties.

Why do they do it?
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the communities served by the hospital and the third leading cause of death across the country. Recognizing the signs of stroke early is key to the success of treatment. A prompt, coordinated stroke care program is crucial to reversing some of stroke’s most devastating effects.

Impact: A total of 287 ED admissions were screened and/or received care for stroke since North Suburban Medical Center implemented Stroke Alert in May of 2006. In 2008, the American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” program indicated 87.5% of ischemic stroke patients at North Suburban received IV tPA within 3 hours of onset of symptoms, compared to national averages of 60% at other participating hospitals.

Contact: Todd Steward
CEO
Telephone: 303-450-4511
E-mail: Todd.Steward@HealthOneCares.com