SCH partners with Wellstar Health System to expand stroke care in Northeast Georgia

Stephens County Hospital and Wellstar Health System are collaborating to expand stroke care in Northeast Georgia.

The Vascular Neurology team at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center will support SCH virtually by connecting with patients and working in collaboration with emergency room physicians, radiologists, and hospitalists to manage stroke patients who arrive at SCH.

“Stroke is among the leading causes of death in our region and this initiative will allow us to do more at our hospital in managing stroke patients than we’ve ever before been able to do,” says Stephens County Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Van Loskoski. “Historically, if you’ve come to our hospital for a stroke, our team immediately began treatment and patients were then transferred to other hospitals. The support from the Vascular Neurology team at Wellstar Kennestone will allow us to keep many stroke patients here for their entire treatment. This is better for the patients and their families, but also for the overall safety of our region. It also reduces the burden on our EMS, limiting the number of transfers they have to coordinate outside of our county.”

Stephens County Hospital will be adding new technology to its radiology equipment which will utilize artificial intelligence to immediately detect certain types of strokes allowing for faster notifications to the medical team.

“Time is everything when it comes to treating a stroke,” says SCH ER physician Dr. Brody Reid. “Having faster notification of a stroke through this advanced technology can make a world of difference in recovery.”

Dr. Ashis Tayal, a vascular neurologist at Wellstar Health System says quote “Wellstar Health System is committed to providing expert neuro care for stroke patients. This partnership with Stephens County Hospital will have a great impact on the Northeast Georgia region. Together we will give patients the best opportunity for optimal recovery and treatment after experiencing a stroke.”

This program will launch in mid-February 2023.