Philadelphia-based Temple University Hospital on May 8 implemented 24/7 acute telestroke services for patients at Bucks County, Pa.-based Lower Bucks Hospital.
Under this partnership, patients who present at Lower Bucks Hospital's emergency department with stroke symptoms will connect with a Temple Neurosciences Center neurologist. This physician can offer remote diagnosis and treatment, such as ordering clot busters and other medications.
The Temple transport team will be able to transfer patients to Temple University Hospital for more advanced interventional stroke care, if needed.
"Every second counts when a patient shows symptoms of a stroke," said Paul M. Katz, MD, director of the stroke program at Temple University Hospital. "This agreement will improve community access to neurological care by allowing patients to be evaluated and, if necessary, receive high-quality specialty services in a timely manner."