Little Rock, Arkansas – In a significant milestone for healthcare in Arkansas, Saline Memorial Hospital has been officially recognized as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH) by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). This designation highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing timely and effective stroke care to patients in the community.
“With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Dr. Bala Simon, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ADH. His statement underscores the urgency that stroke patients face, and why quick action is crucial for minimizing long-term damage. The Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital designation ensures that patients who suffer a stroke are quickly identified and transported to the right facility for specialized care.
Stroke remains a major public health concern in the state. According to the most recent data from 2023, Arkansas has the fourth highest stroke death rate in the United States, with 1,852 stroke-related deaths reported. As one of the leading causes of disability in the country, stroke continues to take a toll on residents across the state. Despite the availability of life-saving treatments that can reverse the effects of the most common type of stroke, many patients do not receive care in time. The Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital designation is an important part of the state’s efforts to improve outcomes for stroke patients by ensuring that they are rapidly transported to hospitals that can provide the necessary care.
Hospitals that earn the ArSRH designation are required to meet specific criteria, including the capability to perform timely emergency evaluations, conduct real-time stroke assessments, and utilize telemedicine to connect with specialists when needed. One of the key elements of this designation is the partnership between hospitals and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS). EMS teams are trained to screen for stroke using standardized protocols, ensuring that stroke patients are quickly identified and taken to the appropriate medical facility.
Saline Memorial Hospital’s recognition as an ArSRH signifies its readiness to provide critical care for stroke patients, playing an important role in the Arkansas stroke care system. This system includes Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers and ADH-designated Stroke Ready Hospitals, all working together to ensure that stroke patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.
One of the primary goals of this initiative is to improve the state’s stroke survival rate. By having designated hospitals like Saline Memorial Hospital, Arkansas aims to decrease the time it takes for stroke patients to receive care. This means reducing the time between the onset of symptoms and the administration of medical treatment, which is critical for minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of recovery.
Dr. Simon also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of stroke early. “Remembering the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym is key,” he said. B.E.F.A.S.T. stands for Balance, Eyes, Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, and Time to call 9-1-1. These simple indicators can help family members and bystanders identify a stroke, even when the symptoms may go away temporarily. The acronym serves as a reminder to seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment can make all the difference in the outcome for stroke patients.
As a part of this initiative, the ADH has developed a website where Arkansas residents can find a list of stroke-designated hospitals, including those like Saline Memorial that have earned the ArSRH designation. The recognition of Saline Memorial Hospital as a Stroke Ready Hospital represents a crucial step forward in improving healthcare access and outcomes for stroke patients in the region.
With this new designation, Saline Memorial Hospital continues to be a leader in patient care, enhancing the safety and well-being of the community. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by stroke, having hospitals like Saline Memorial on the frontlines ensures that Arkansas residents are better prepared to face this critical health issue.
