Nashoba Valley Medical Center has successfully completed the DPH survey required for designation as a Stroke Center on August 11, 2005.

Stroke Center designation allows EMS services to deliver suspected stroke cases to NVMC's Emergency Department for expert treatment. Besides the Emergency Department physicians and staff, care for stroke patients is supported by the clinical laboratory, the pharmacy, radiology and CT services, the in-patient units and the rehab department.

NVMC is now part of the states' program for the treatment of stroke. "We are very happy to receive this recognition," says Doreen Thomas, CNO/COO. "The staff here has worked very hard as a team to put all the necessary technical, procedural and staffing changes in place to make this a reality."

Laila Attar, MD, Chief of the Emergency Staff is very proud that NVMC can add this service to the growing number of specialties the hospital provides. "EMT's have been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. They immediately notify the hospital as soon as they determine the patient has had a stroke, and while the ambulance is en route, the stroke team is assembled and ready when the patient arrives."

Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke and the designation award for NVMC as a first response hospital for stroke brings expert intervention even closer to those living in the area.

Chief Nursing Officer Doreen Thomas, RN, DSN, MHA  commented, "NVMC is committed to the health and well-being of our community by providing safe, quality care and a quick response to emergency conditions. We are partnering with the community to save lives and improve outcomes for those who suffer stroke. Achieving stroke center designation is another way in which we make "your emergency our emergency."

"Stroke Support Group" meets the fourth Sunday of the month. Time: 1pm in the Founder's Room. For more information contact mastragelo@dexter-southfield.org .