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Valley Baptist Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Fast Response in Treating “Brain Attack” Patients
- Updated: July 24, 2015
Dr. Victoria A. Parada, Board-Certified Vascular Neurologist, serves as Clinical Director of an award-winning Neuroscience and Stroke Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.
HARLINGEN – Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen has received a new award — the “Target: Stroke ELITE PLUS Honor Roll Award” — while Valley Baptist-Brownsville has again received the “Target: Stroke Honor Roll” award — for fast response in treating patients who come to the hospital with symptoms of stroke.
The American Heart Association’s “Elite Plus Honor Roll” status is given to hospitals which consistently treat “brain attack” patients with life-saving medications within an hour after the patient arrives at the hospital — and within 45 minutes at least 50 percent of the time. When it comes to stroke, every minute counts, because “time lost is brain lost.”
This “Elite Plus” award — which was given to hospitals for the first time this year — sets Valley Baptist apart from other hospitals who have received the Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” awards, because it reflects an aggressive effort by the Valley Baptist Stroke Team to provide even-higher quality care to Valley patients.
At Valley Baptist, a clot-busting medication called tPA is used when medically indicated to reverse strokes. The medication is most effective if it is administered within three to four hours from the start of symptoms of a possible stroke.
Valley Baptist-Harlingen is the only hospital in South Texas to also offer endovascular stroke procedures, which can be performed up to eight hours or more into a stroke. These advanced procedures provide Valley patients with a longer time window in which to survive strokes and hopefully minimize disabilities. However, it is still critical for people with symptoms of stroke to call 911 immediately, as the sooner that treatment begins, the more of the patient’s brain the doctors can potentially save.
“We are pleased to recognize Valley Baptist Medical Center for its commitment to stroke care,” said Dr. Deepak Bhatt, chairman of the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” steering committee. “Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow ‘Get With The Guidelines’ quality improvement measures can reduce length of stay and 30-day readmission rates and reduce disparities in care.”
For more information on stroke, consult your physician and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.
