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Stroke Program at St. Joseph's/Candler Encourages Patients to Get SMART about their Stroke Risk

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, neurohospitalists, 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.

But first: Are you afraid you might be experiencing a stroke now? Call 911.

Stroke Warning Signs

For signs of a stroke, think B.E. F.A.S.T.

B - Balance
E - Eyes
F - Face drooping
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulty
T - Time to call 911


 

Recognized Distinction in Quality Care and Advanced Technology

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.

St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital also were both recognized again by the American Heart Association  as Gold Plus award winners in its Get With the Guidelines-Stroke program designation. Learn more here.

        


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
  • Stroke NET-Work Program
  • advanced RAPID software imaging for Large Vessel Occlusion detection
  • 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.

Understand the Signs of Stroke for Faster Treatment

  • 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.

How to Decrease Your Risk for Stroke

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.  

How can we help you?