The Catskill Chronicle

HARRIS, NY (September 16, 2014) – Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Harris Campus has been named a designated Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health. According to New York State protocol, emergency responders should always transport stroke patients to the nearest designated stroke center when they present symptoms and signs of a stroke.

As a designated Stroke Center, Catskill Regional has an expert Stroke Team comprised of highly trained physicians, nurses and technicians that can treat stroke quickly and effectively, using the latest medicines and techniques, to minimize brain damage. Having quick access to these types of services within the first three hours of showing symptoms of a stroke is essential to preventing long-term neurological damage.

“This designation signifies our ability to rapidly assess our patients and get them the treatment they need, states Chief Medical Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Gerard Galarneau, MD. “Now, people who show signs of a stroke can be cared for right in their own community, receiving quality stroke care and minimizing the affects that a stroke can cause. ”

A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When a brain attack occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area. Doctors call this area of dead cells an infarct. These cells usually die within minutes to a few hours after the stroke starts.

“We want to remind area residents to call 911 immediately if they begin to experience symptoms of a stroke — sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and/or sudden, severe headache with no known cause,” said Medical Director of the Stroke Center Dr. Carlos Holden. “In the case of a stroke, every minute counts.”

Additionally, Catskill Regional’s Harris and Callicoon Campuses have constant contact with qualified specialists, regardless of the time of day or weather, through the use of “Doctor Polly” or a “Doc on Wheels.” Doctor Polly is state-of-the-art technology used to help diagnose stroke and other illnesses by remote consultation. This technology was funded with a New York State HEAL 125 grant and was specifically allocated for enhancing services to Catskill Regional’s Emergency Department. Doctor Polly is manufactured by Polycom and is a mobile cart used for bedside consultations between patients and off-site specialists that can also be used to facilitate rapid diagnosis of stroke.

For additional information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org/strokecenter.