Primary Stroke Center

A strong commitment to educating the community about stroke prevention and treatment helped Shore Health System earn Primary Stroke Center designation from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.

All Primary Stroke Centers have a specially trained Brain Attack Team (BAT) prepared to assess and treat stroke patients. The team is composed of an ED nurse and physician, a neuroscience nurse, and a hospitalist or neurologist. When the BAT code is called, team members report immediately to the ED or to the patient's bedside if symptoms appear on an inpatient unit.

Designation of Memorial Hospital as a Primary Stroke Center means that stroke care will be expedited and coordinated to a higher degree than ever before. In order to be designated a Primary Stroke Center, certain criteria have to be met. Patients with possible stroke symptoms need to be assessed within 10 minutes of arriving in the emergency department and they must have a CT scan performed within 25 minutes of a physician's order. Time is of the essence in achieving a good outcome following a stroke.

In addition to treating patients in the hospital, Shore Health System educates the community to raise awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of receiving immediate medical attention.

Community groups and organizations interested in hosting a presentation on stroke prevention can contact Christina Ball, RN, CNRN, Neuroscience Specialist, at 410-822-1000, ext. 5068, email: cball@shorehealth.org.