MidAmerica Stroke Network
In May 2008, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital launched the MidAmerica Stroke Network in an effort to promote quality stroke care measures throughout our region. SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is the ONLY hospital in Missouri and Illinois, and one of only 13 in the United States to receive the Gold Award for Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Stroke from the American Heart Association.
About the MidAmerica Stroke Network
SSM Health Saint Louis University’s team is consistently recognized for their efforts in delivering care that’s consistent with the American Heart Association’s most up-to-date scientific guidelines for the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. Triple Gold Performance Achievement in all three Get with the Guidelines℠ quality improvement programs is additional proof that exemplary care is close by when you need it most.
Stroke patients who receive tPA within three hours of the onset of their stroke symptoms are at least 30% more likely to recover from their stroke with little to no disability after three months. Our expert staff at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital solved a needed response to the countless number of stroke patients unable to receive adequate treatment.
How We Operate
This is a step-by-step guide to how the MidAmerica Stroke Network operates:
- A patient presenting with stroke symptoms arrives at a MidAmerica Stroke Network member hospital for treatment.
- The member hospital’s emergency team performs a complete neurological assessment of the patient and administers the appropriate treatment.
- The attending physician then determines that the patient requires further neurocritical care and call the MidAmerica Stroke Network hotline to page the SLUCare neuro-specialist on-call for additional medical support.
- After receiving the page, the SLUCare neuro-specialist consults with the member hospital’s attending physician.
- Then, the SLUCare neuro-specialist will assess the patient condition and vital signs in order to determine the appropriate treatment for stabilization.
- If the collaborative medical team determines that the stroke patient’s condition cannot be effectively stabilized on-site at the member hospital, a rapid transport to SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital will be arranged immediately.
- The stroke patient will promptly receive the necessary medical treatment upon arrival at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital then discharges the stabilized stroke patient back into the care of the member hospital for continued treatment and follow-up care.
Our Network of Hospitals
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, a certified Stroke Center of Excellence by the Joint Commission, is home to the MidAmerica Stroke Network. We created the network in late 2007 to promote quality stroke care measures throughout the region.
Employing medical consultations remotely, via enhanced visual technologies, SLUCare neuro-specialists are able to assist medical teams in emergency rooms at participating network hospitals. We offer consultative and diagnostic services in potential stroke cases. The neuro-specialist is able to fully evaluate the patient’s condition and vital signs in order to determine the best treatment.
As the founder of the MidAmerica Stroke Network, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is responsible for enhancements and access to technology for the network, as well as conducting initial training sessions. The network provides member hospitals with 24-hour access to neuro-specialists, express transportation services for stroke patients, and state-of-the-art technology for consultative and diagnostic services. In turn, the network’s member hospitals must show a continued commitment to stroke services, resources and quality monitoring.
For the most recent quality data, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Hospital Compare site.
Contact Us
For additional information about the MidAmerica Stroke Network, call us at 866-676-4326.
Arrange a Patient Transfer
To arrange for acute stroke transfers, please call our OneCall line at 866-491-0858.