Special Publications

Tehama County Medical Guide- 2014 7 Facial droop; uneven smile Arm numbness and/or weakness Slurred speech and difficulty speaking Timing is critical; call 911 immediately Through a partnership with the Dignity Health Telemedicine Network, our hospitals have the latest technology and clinical expertise to quickly diagnose and offer treatment options to patients experiencing a stroke. Stroke care is close to home through Telestroke Services at Mercy Medical Center Redding, St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff, and Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta. Technology that Buys Time During a stroke, it takes one second for 32,000 brain cells to die and only minutes before a person is permanently disabled. Through the Dignity Health Telemedicine Network, medical providers at the Dignity Health North State hospitals can optimize response to stroke emergencies, improve outcomes, and reduce the devastating effects of a stroke. When time is critical to outcome, having stroke services close to home can make all the difference. Direct Connection to Specialized Care The Dignity Health Telemedicine Network brings together highly specialized physicians and state-of-the- art robotic technology offering patients immediate access to life-saving medical care. Available 24/7, the Network connects patients, their family, and physician to on-call stroke specialists at the Sacramento-based Dignity Health Neurological Institute via two-way live video/audio and image sharing technology. How it Works: • The attending physician reviews the patient's condition and determines the need for additional evaluation. • The Telemedicine robot is moved to the patient's bedside. • The attending physician and patient speak directly to a Dignity Health Telemedicine Network specialist. • The specialist reviews the patient's scans and performs a consultation. • The specialist and attending physician determine the best treatment plan for the patient. Most patients at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, Mt. Shasta can be treated locally, but if necessary, are transported by ground or air to the Primary Stroke Center at Mercy Medical Center Redding for further assessment. In serious cases, the latest interventional therapy and comprehensive care is provided by the Dignity Health Neurological Institute in Sacramento.

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