CRYSTAL RIVER Recovery potential for stroke victims in Citrus County is increasing thanks to a new partnership involving Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center. The hospital, recognized by the state as a primary stroke center, is teaming with the University of Florida and Shands Healthcare to launch an alliance aimed at providing care during those crucial hours following symptoms of a stroke. The partnership allows Seven Rivers' stroke emergency team to consult with counterparts at Shands, or transport patients by helicopter to Gainesville if the patient’s situation becomes more serious.
"We're bringing this partnership to our community to further the care for our patients,” Seven Rivers chief executive officer Joyce Bran Cato said. The alliance is a first for UF and Shands in Florida. Along with Seven Rivers, it includes Brooksville Regional and Spring Hill Regional hospitals in Hernando County.
Dr. Michael Waters, director of the Stroke Program in the Department of Neurology at UF and Shands Hospital, said stroke patients will benefit from the partnership. Seven Rivers sees about 52 stroke patients a year. A small percentage, Brancato said, would have benefited from the alliance with Shands had it been available because of the severity of their prognosis. The first four hours are critical to the patient and when a clot fighting drug is administered at the emergency room it can stop or minimize the damage being done to the body, Brancato explained. If the drug cannot be used, Shands can then provide cutting edge procedures in an attempt to save the patient’s life or limit the debilitating damage. Both Brancato and Waters said they want the public to know the programs exist and that anyone experience stroke-like symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately. “It’s been a real issue to us to get the word out,” Waters said.
Waters said early stroke symptoms may confuse people, particularly since their brain is not alerting them to a problem. “Heart attacks are painful and people respond to that,” he said. “In strokes, part of the brain that knows something is wrong is damaged. You may not be able to move half your body and not recognize it.” Waters encourages residents to watch for symptoms with loved ones and friends and let medical specialists decide whether a stroke occurred or not. “I don’t want people in the community wondering if they’re having a stroke,” he said. “Let us sort it out.” Four things to think about if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Think F.A.S.T.:
* Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
* Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
* Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words repeated correctly, or slurred?
* Time. If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. To be most effective, stroke care must begin within three hours of the first symptoms.
Source: Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center.
Chronicle reporter Mike Wright can be reached at (352) 563-3228 or