CANANDAIGUA, NY- The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has designated F.F. Thompson Hospital a Stroke Center. To achieve Stroke Center designation, hospitals must demonstrate the ability to deliver the highest level of care for this potentially life-threatening emergency. About 750,000 new strokes occur every year, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. A stroke happens when blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off or greatly reduced. Decreased blood supply from a stroke can cause brain cells to die, which can result in a range of consequences, from mild speech and muscle impairment to paralysis or death. “Achieving Stroke Center designation is an affirmation of our commitment to providing the best care to people in our community,” said Thompson Health President/CEO Linda Janczak. “This designation is a measure of excellence for the health system’s clinical care and is also a reflection of the outstanding commitment and skill of Thompson professionals.” Being a designated Stroke Center ensures that stroke patients in the Finger Lakes region can receive prompt, high-quality care close to home. With this designation, ambulance crews can transport patients who may be experiencing stroke symptoms directly to Thompson Hospital. Thompson’s ability to provide prompt care is important because time is critical for stroke patients. Brain cells begin to die within 4 minutes of a stroke’s onset. The sooner care is delivered, the better the medical outlook. To receive Stroke Center designation, a hospital must demonstrate a comprehensive, proactive approach to stroke care. Requirements include: · The ability to implement the appropriate diagnostic and emergency care protocols the minute a patient enters the hospital. Thompson Hospital demonstrated to NYSDOH a close level of communication and cooperation across all departments that potentially would be involved in delivering care. · A commitment to provide appropriate continuing medical education to physicians, speech therapists, physical therapists and nurses on staff to ensure the most advanced treatment is offered for each stroke patient. · A program to deliver potentially life-saving education on stroke to the community. Thompson has published several news articles in its own publications as well as area newspapers to raise community awareness about stroke prevention and treatment. Thompson is also hosting the first of many planned community education events on Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua. The cost is $10 per person and includes dinner and features Dr. Robert S. Knapp, Neurologist and Medical Director for F.F. Thompson Hospital’s Stroke Center. For more information or tickets, please call (585) 396-6670.