St. Francis News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/28/2017 12:00:00 AM CENTRAL
Updated: 6/28/2017 1:54:23 PM CENTRAL
For more information, contact Michael Morris.
St. Francis Regional Medical Center named an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

Shakopee, Minn. (June 28, 2017) — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has designated St. Francis as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.

St. Francis joins 88 Minnesota hospitals recognized for offering the gold standard in preparedness to stabilize stroke patients and administer life-saving medications.

"When it comes to stroke, it’s an attack on the brain," said Brian Clarkowski, MD. "As a stroke-ready hospital, we are prepared to evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency treatment to patients with acute stroke symptoms."

According to the MDH, more than five percent of all deaths in Minnesota are due to stroke, making it the fifth-leading cause of death in the state. Moreover, in 2014, Minnesotans experienced more than 12,000 hospitalizations for acute stroke events.

"Acute Stroke Ready designation affirms how important it is to St. Francis and the community to provide the highest quality and safest-coordinated care," said Clarkowski. "It’s an accomplishment, and we acknowledge the teamwork involved."

A coordinated statewide system of care ensures all hospitals are equipped and ready to provide the best care possible for all Minnesotans. The Minnesota Stroke System—launched in April 2014—works with hospitals and EMS agencies to raise the level of care and build their capacity.

“The process involves timely care provided by our EMS crews, registration staff, nurses, lab techs, physicians and radiology team,” said Clarkowski. “In addition to that, we work very closely with stroke neurologist Dr. Sandy Hanson and her team at United Hospital who we connect with via video conferencing for every potential stroke case. We want people to know the importance of coming to the Emergency Department as soon as possible when stroke-like symptoms occur.”

While 24 Minnesota hospitals found in larger cities have been designated as comprehensive or primary stroke centers, many Minnesota residents live in more rural areas, away from these centers. As a result of the Minnesota Stroke System, ninety percent of the state’s residents now live within 30 minutes of a designated stroke center.

“Every second counts,” said Clarkowski. “It’s important to know the signs of a stroke so you can act quickly and get the right care.”

Use the mnemonic F.A.S.T. to recognize signs of a stroke and the action to take:

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to call 9-1-1

Learn more at stfrancis-shakopee.com/services/stroke-neuroscience.

St. Francis Regional Medical Center is owned by Allina Health, HealthPartners Park Nicollet, and Essentia Health. This unique structure combines the caring and compassion of an award winning community hospital with the advanced medical technology, specialties, and expertise of industry-leading health systems. St. Francis provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services on a collaborative medical campus with more than 30 affiliated clinics and 450 providers in the community.