Stroke Services

Carney Hospital - A Designated Primary Stroke Service Provider

As a designated provider of primary stroke service through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Carney Hospital assures definitive care to patients experiencing acute stroke symptoms. The designation signifies that Carney Hospital meets requirements to provide emergency diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with acute stroke symptoms 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Carney Hospital was first approved by the MDPH as a primary stroke service provider more than five years ago.

Each year, approximately 700,000 people suffer a stroke, making it the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability. When someone first shows symptoms of stroke, it is imperative that they seek emergency treatment immediately.

As a designated primary stroke service provider, emergency medical services (EMS) community can transport patients to Carney Hospital for evaluation and treatment. MDPH surveyors evaluated Carney Hospital's ability to do the following:

• Streamline communication with EMS personnel
• Provide diagnostic CT scan exams and perform and evaluate chest x-rays, EKGs and lab tests within accepted time targets
• Provide around-the-clock availability of neurologists

Carney Hospital has also implemented performance improvement initiatives and education of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and EMS personnel.