Pelham Medical Center (PMC) has received Primary Stroke Certification from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP). It designates PMC as Greer’s only certified primary stroke center.
Pelham Medical Center is part of a group of providers focused on complex stroke care.
“Our team is proud to be a primary stroke center for patients in the Upstate,” said Tony Kouskolekas, president of PMC. “Our commitment is to offer the services our community needs, expanding our ability to care for stroke patients is something we think will be vital to our community. Stroke patients have a small window to receive clot-busting care after a stroke and Pelham Medical Center is prepared to provide fast care.”
Neurologist John Pilch is the director. He joined the Medical Group of the Carolinas -Neurology - Pelham in September.
Stroke centers have quality guided protocols and processes in place to allow rapid identification and timely treatment of stroke, which help reduce disability.
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 800,000 strokes occurring each year. Some risk factors for stroke include high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, drug abuse, or lack of exercise.
Patients have less than two hours after experiencing stroke symptoms to get to the hospital to be evaluated for medication that can help reduce disability.
“Stroke patients need to be evaluated quickly to determine if they are eligible for clot busting medication,” Debby Bridgeman, RN, and stroke program leader said. “It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately to avoid any delays in treatment.” Bridgeman is from SMC.
“Act FAST” if you experience the following:
F-Face Drooping: One side of the face is drooping or numb
A-Arm Weakness: One arm is weak or numb
S- Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred or a person is unable to speak or be understood
T- Time to Call 9-1-1: Call 9-1-1 if any of these symptoms occur.