KishHealth System’s Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals have been recognized as two of the state’s Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state of Illinois was one of the first states in the nation to incorporate another level of stroke center into its law. Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals (ESRHs) are hospitals that diagnose, treat and transport acute stroke patients to a higher level of care as warranted. Being part of a stroke network of hospitals presents additional resources to be used when needed. The Illinois Department of Public Health makes these designations based on the ability to meet certain criteria within the hospital. The ESRH designation means that Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals are able to deliver specialized acute healthcare to stroke patients.
Physical signs of stroke include extremity numbness, difficulty seeing, dizziness, and sudden or severe headaches. Time is of the essence for stoke victims and remembering the acronym F.A.S.T. will help determine if someone is suffering a stroke.
Face – one side of the face drooping
Arm – one arm drifting downward when asked to put both arms in the air
Speech – slurring or strange speech
Time – time is critical
Acting fast can reduce the number of brain cells that die due to stoke and getting to the hospital quickly will likely lead to a better recovery. A patient with stoke symptoms arriving at Kishwaukee or Valley West Hospital will have a “code BAT” called. BAT, the Brain Attack Team, will mobilize trained professionals in the emergency room to be prepared for testing and treatment of a stroke victim. Time is a crucial factor for stroke victims and this specialized code and the BAT team is vital to the recovery of the patient. For more information about Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals please visit www.kishhealth.org.
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