THREE RIVERS HEALTH PATIENTS NOW HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO ADVANCED NEUROLOGICAL CARE FOR STROKE TREATMENT

Three Rivers Health is pleased to announce our affiliation with the St. John Providence
Health System (SJPHS), Borgess Medical Center and St. Mary’s of Michigan Telemedicine network. This
affiliation means that patients of Three Rivers Health will how have direct access to a telemedicine network
of neuroscience specialists. By calling one phone number, any time day or night, staff at Three Rivers Health
can consult with an expert neuroscience specialist regarding patients experiencing stroke.
This is especially important in stroke whereby treatment decisions are greatly influenced by timing. Prompt
treatment of a stroke can mean the difference between life and death – or between recovery and disability.
Early treatment may minimize the damage to the brain.
Through this new partnership, stroke patients in the Three Rivers Health area will have rapid access to
highly experienced experts in the treatment of stroke. Within moments of arrival at the Three Rivers Health
Emergency Department, patients will have a consult with a stroke expert and the best course of treatment
for the individual patient will be determined.
“Timing is everything when it comes to the treatment of stroke,” William Russell, CEO, Three Rivers Health
added. “The partnership between Three Rivers Health and Telemedicine Network gives our patients an
added advantage. These treatments can significantly increase the odds you will recover from your stroke, but
some treatment options are only safe and effective if they begin within a few hours.”
Three Rivers Health encourages you to learn the many warning signs of a stroke. Act F.A.S.T. and call
9-1-1 immediately at any sign of a stroke. The F.A.S.T. stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time:
• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an
FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of
stroke.
Stroke is the primary cause of disability in the United States. Getting treatment early at a facility that
can connect you with expertise in stroke care is important.
For over 90 years, Three Rivers Health has offered its patients and community technology-driven care,
including a wide array of inpatient, rehabilitation, outpatient, wellness, hospice care and specialty clinic
services. To discover more about Three Rivers Health, call 269.278.1145 or visit threerivershealth.org.