Stroke Program (SMART Program)
St. Joseph's/Candler is dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and permanent disabilities caused by stroke. Our stroke team is available 24 hours a day and consists
of emergency physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, nurses, therapists and paramedics--all of whom are trained to recognize and treat the early signs of stroke. Early intervention is essential in saving lives and preventing disabilities associated with stroke.
St. Joseph's/Candler is one of the first five hospitals in the country to achieve the designation as a Primary Stroke Center, awarded by The Joint Commission in 2003 and recertified in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Our genuine commitment to quality-of-care services and state-of-the-art technology allows us to better serve our physicians and patients. Aspects of our program include:
- acute stroke assessment team available 24/7
- interdisciplinary stroke committee
- utilize acute stroke care path
- 24/7 neurosurgery/neurology backup
- dedicated inpatient stroke unit
- outcomes registry
- advanced stroke life support instruction and continuing education program.
Additionally, we provide a full-time stroke coordinator to:
- serve as a patient/family liaison from admission through post-discharge
- conduct post-discharge phone calls to assess and improve service quality
- coordinate outcomes studies and stroke registry data submissions
- organize community outreach activities which include stroke screenings, health education events and support group meetings.
Signs of Stroke
- One-sided weakness, numbness or paralysis of face, arm or leg
- Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe or unexplained headache
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, note the time and call 911 immediately. Your call sets a highly specialized team in motion, beginning with an EMS technician, who assesses your symptoms and calls ahead so personnel are ready when you arrive at the hospital.
Decrease Your Risk for Stroke
- Control high blood pressure
- Manage atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythms, if you're aware of them
- Quit smoking
- Decrease alcoholic beverage intake
- Prevent/control diabetes
- Control cholesterol
- Exercise
- Reduce salt and fat in diet
We sponsor the American Stroke Association's Operation Stroke community education initiative, which increases public awareness of stroke and how important it is to go to a hospital as soon as symptoms occur.
We are also part of the Georgia Coverdell Stroke Registry. Learn more about the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry.
Learn more about the stroke program at St. Joseph's/Candler
Email Doretha Peters or call 912-819-7171.
