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Marshall Browning Hospital Designated as "Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital"


Du Quoin, Illinois - May 21, 2014 - Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin has been recognized as an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of April 21, 2014.

The Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 2244 in 2009, allowing the creation of stroke systems of care in Illinois. The law identifies hospitals capable of providing emergent stroke care and directs Emergency Medical Services personnel to transport possible acute stroke patients to these hospitals. The Illinois Hospital Association worked with the American Heart Association and the IDPH to create regulation and enact the landmark legislation.

The designation recognizes Marshall Browning Hospital as stroke capable by the Emergency Medical Services thus enabling potential stroke patients to be brought via ambulance to Marshall Browning Hospital. The hospital was required to submit data to the state to indicate their ability to treat stroke according to national standards of care for stroke patients. The designation allows ambulances transporting stroke patients to bypass hospitals not designated as an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital (ESRH).
"Being an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital ensures our community that if their loved one is experiencing a stroke emergency, we are prepared to provide them with excellent care close to home," Edwin Gast, Marshall Browning Hospital CEO, said.

Karen Williams, Nursing Director, added "we will be working to educate the community on strokes. Stroke is an emergency that attacks the brain, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain. During a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Quick evaluation and treatment in a hospital within the stroke system of care is essential in order to save a life. Stroke occurs at all ages and the majority of people wait too long before going to the hospital once their stroke symptoms appear. If you are having signs of a stroke, don't go to bed and wait to see if you are better the next morning and definitely don't bypass your local Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital. A patient can only receive stroke medication if they come to the Emergency Department within 3 hours from the start of their symptoms."

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United Sates behind heart disease and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the leading source for long-term disability in the nation.

Chances of survival are better if the stroke is identified and treated immediately. To identify if someone is having a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T.
Face: look for an uneven smile or drooping eye
Arm: check if one arm is weak
Speech: listen for slurred speech or inability to speak
Time: call 911 immediately - it could save a life
Seeking immediate treatment can make a significant difference in the quality of life after recovery.

Marshall Browning Hospital, located at 900 North Washington Street, Du Quoin, accepts many insurance plans. The hospital features 25 private patient rooms, 24-hour-a-day emergency care, advanced cardiac and stroke care, general medical care and 19 specialty clinic providers. It also offers a rehabilitation center, rural health clinic and Marshall Browning Estates, a 22-unit independent living facility.
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