Bitterroot Health was recently recognized with the Stroke Recognition Award, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department. This 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 Bitterroot Health 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.
“As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with unique challenges like interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources,” said Heather Villarreal, RN & Nursing Support Supervisor who has been integral in Bitterroot Health’s stroke programming. “We’ve made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of our stroke care, so being honored for giving excellent stroke and patient care is the best recognition we can get.”
The Stroke Recognition Award was launched in 2011, and Bitterroot Health is one of only 18 Critical Access Hospitals 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.
“We continue to bring more specialty care services to the valley, and it’s important we ensure high quality stroke care is one of those integral services,” said Kathy Padilla, Chief Nursing Officer, Bitterroot Health. “I’m proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and that their dedicated work toward this achievement has been recognized.”
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and is a leading cause of death in Montana. Last year, over 2,000 Montana families were directly impacted by the devastating effects of stroke. Symptom recognition and timely, high-quality treatment are important factors in reducing death and disability from stroke.
Know the signs and symptoms of stroke:
• 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
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.
For more information about stroke, visit: www.strokeassociation.org.