(November 5, 2009) Danivlle / Lewistown, PA– Geisinger Health System and Lewistown Hospital are expanding stroke services to provide advanced care for patients in the Lewistown area. Through a new telemedicine program, the expertise of Geisinger’s stroke specialists is now available to Lewistown Hospital Emergency Department physicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A secure video monitoring system (Polycom machine) provides a real-time link between Geisinger’s stroke-trained neurologists and Lewistown’s Emergency Department. Stroke patients now receive advanced treatment from Geisinger specialists in collaboration with Lewistown emergency physicians.
“This collaborative effort allows treatment for stroke and any complications that may arise in a timely, well-executed manner,” said James Pacelli, M.D., a stroke-trained neurologist for Geisinger Health System. “We are pleased to be partnering with Lewistown Hospital to help patients in this region.”
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. As the population continues to age, strokes are likely to increase, according to Dr. Pacelli. The American Heart Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians say that aggressively treating stroke in its early stages significantly improves a person’s chance for a full recovery.
“This new program will have a great benefit for local patients with stroke symptoms presenting in the Emergency Department,” said Kay Hamilton, president and CEO at Lewistown Hospital.
Geisinger specialists evaluate the patient, review brain scans and work with Lewistown Emergency Department physicians and staff to provide the best acute stroke care. Teleconferencing equipment is brought to the patient’s bedside, allowing Geisinger staff to assess the patient, and speak directly to the Lewistown physician, patient and patient’s family.
“Working with the stroke neurologist allows us to use this treatment here in Lewistown when appropriate,” continued Hamilton. “It’s imperative that patients with stroke symptoms go to the hospital immediately. Traditional warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg; difficulty speaking or understanding statements, decreased vision or blindness in one eye; double vision; and/or sudden, severe headaches.”
