Expanded Operating Hours for Mobile Stroke Unit, Broadening Delivery of Time-Critical Medical Assistance
The UR Medicine Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) is set to extend its services to weekends, starting May 11, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative will make advanced stroke care more accessible to patients in Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties, excluding the towns of Henrietta, Rush, Chili, and Wheatland.
The MSU, first launched in September 2018, is the only unit of its kind in Upstate New York. Equipped with a CT scanner and stocked with essential medications necessary for prompt stroke diagnosis and treatment on site, the MSU is a game-changer in stroke care.
Patients who undergo advanced CT vessel imaging on the MSU can have large vessel strokes eligible for surgical intervention detected, potentially saving valuable time in the critical window for treatment. If such strokes are identified, patients can be transferred directly from the MSU to the operating room.
The MSU is staffed with specialized, stroke-trained personnel, including a vascular neurologist who evaluates the patient on scene via telemedicine. This expert team ensures that patients receive the best possible care, right at their doorstep.
The extended weekend services will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Dr. Tarun Bhalla, MD, PhD, chief of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Services, expressed excitement about the expanded weekend services, stating, "This extension of our services will undoubtedly save lives and improve the quality of life for many stroke patients."
The MSU's expedited care reduces the time between dispatch and treatment by 45 minutes, on average. This reduction in time is crucial, as it increases the likelihood of discharge to home, offering benefits in alleviating social, emotional, and economic burdens.
Moreover, the MSU is 15 times more likely to administer IVT drugs during the golden hour compared to regional emergency rooms. This statistic underscores the MSU's ability to deliver time-sensitive treatment directly to the patient's location, reducing hospital length of stay.
Since its launch, the MSU has been dispatched to respond to over 500 stroke cases. The comprehensive care provided by the MSU does not end with treatment. Patients who suffer from brain injuries, including stroke, can receive further care, rehabilitation, and support services at Strong Memorial Hospital's Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit and the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit.
Strong Memorial Hospital is the region's only Comprehensive Stroke Center, as designated by the Joint Commission. UR Medicine's commitment to providing state-of-the-art stroke care includes the services provided by the MSU and the specialized units at Strong Memorial Hospital.
For accurate and up-to-date information about the UR Medicine Mobile Stroke Unit's operating hours after extending its services to weekends, it is recommended to contact UR Medicine directly or visit their official website. UR Medicine's life-saving initiatives continue to redefine stroke care, offering hope and healing to patients in need.
- The UR Medicine Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) not only provides advanced stroke care but also expands its services to cover health-and-wellness aspects, offering fitness-and-exercise and mental-health programs to patients, ensuring holistic care.
- Recognizing the importance of early intervention in neurological disorders, the MSU's extended weekend services can potentially aid in the early detection of various medical-conditions,from stroke to other neurological disorders.
- Beyondstroke care, the MSU and Strong Memorial Hospital's collaboration ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including rehabilitation and support services for mental-health issues, addressing the wide spectrum of health needs related to brain injuries.
