FMDH Receives Stroke Recognition Award

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital has received the Stroke Recognition Award, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department. The award singles out critical access hospitals that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and commitment to provide high-quality care for patients with acute stroke.

Receiving the Stroke Recognition confirms that FMDH meets high standards related to the utilization of evidence-based stroke order-sets and protocols, laboratory and radiology services available 24/7 and administrative commitment to treating acute stroke patients.

FMDH also participates in the Montana Telestroke Project, which connects potential stroke patients to stroke neurologists located in Denver, Portland, Great Falls or Seattle, for real time two-way audio video consultations. To date, the telestroke system has been used 29 times in Glasgow to provide acute stroke consultations of local patients.

The Stroke Recognition Award was launched in 2011, and FMDH is one of only 11 critical access in Montana to receive the recognition. Requirements for the recognition include tracking and reporting key stroke outcomes, using outcomes data to initiate quality improvement activities and coordinating regular healthcare provider stroke trainings.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and is a leading cause of death in Montana. Last year, the devastating effects of stroke directly impacted over 2,000 Montana families. Symptom recognition and timely, high quality treatment are important factors in reducing death and disability from stroke.

The signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, sudden trouble seeing, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden loss of balance or coordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone you know experience stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.

For more information about stroke, visit strokeassociation.org.