May 22, 2015
Province Expands Successful Stroke Emergency Care Program to Second Northern Manitoba Community
– – –Telestroke Program Now Underway in The Pas: Minister Blady
A successful program that provides specialized emergency care to stroke patients in rural communities has been expanded to The Pas, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.
“During a stroke, it is important patients get care as soon as possible to reduce potential effects and improve their chances of recovery,” said Minister Blady. “The Telestroke program allows care providers in rural and northern communities to work directly with stroke specialists, helping families get expert care more quickly.”
The Telestroke program allows emergency physicians in rural and northern hospitals to work with stroke neurologists and radiologists in other communities through videoconferencing and shared CT images. This means the specialists can work with the local provider to determine if a stroke has occurred, the type of stroke and the most appropriate treatment options.
“The Pas will be a hub serving the entire area, including Flin Flon, helping to ensure stroke victims have better outcomes through this advanced treatment option,” said Helga Bryant, chief executive officer, Northern Regional Health Authority.
St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas is the fifth hospital in Manitoba to become part of the Telestroke program, joining Thompson General Hospital, the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, and the Brandon General Hospital, Minister Blady said. She added as part of the province’s stroke strategy, Telestroke will be rolled out to general hospitals in each regional health authority by 2016.
A stroke can be caused by a blood clot or a hemorrhage that cuts off blood flow to the brain. Stroke is the third highest cause of death in Canada and one of the leading causes of disability.
When a blood clot is to blame, a patient treated with a clot-busting drug called TPA within four and a half hours of the start of symptoms may experience partial or complete recovery. Patients in The Pas, Flin Flon and surrounding areas will now have access to this specialized care during this critical period of time, the minister said.
Manitobans who suspect they are having a stroke can call 911 to be assessed and transported to the appropriate hospital that provides stroke care services.
“Having Telestroke available will help save lives and we congratulate the provincial government on making this a priority,” said Debbie Brown, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation in Manitoba. “Recognizing and responding immediately to the stroke warning signs and being assessed quickly can significantly improve survival and recovery. The signs of stroke are easily remembered by the FAST acronym: Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – is it slurred or jumbled? And Time, to call 911 or your local emergency service right away.”
The minister noted the Telestroke program is a collaborative partnership among the province, the regional health authorities, Diagnostic Services Manitoba and Manitoba eHealth designed to provide equitable access to specialized stroke care across the province.
For more information on Manitoba’s stroke strategy visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/stroke/index.
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