Stroke Program Continues to Win
National Recognition

The American Stroke Association (ASA) has recognized Manatee Memorial Hospital's stroke treatment program yet again with the Get With The Guidelines^SM--Stroke (GWTG--Stroke) Gold Performance Achievement Award. Manatee Memorial is one of only two hospitals in Florida to win this honor, which was presented at the 2009 International Stroke Conference in San Diego.

Measures to Manage Stroke Risk
To receive the GWTG-Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award, Manatee Memorial demonstrated 85 percent adherence with the GWTG--Stroke key measures for 36 consecutive months. The key measures include aggressive and timely administration of medications that can break up blood clots and restore circulation to the brain, and the development of educational programs to help patients manage risk factors. Last year, the stroke program's four neurologists and 12 staff nurses used the ASA guidelines to care for 425 patients.

Manatee Memorial's stroke program has been receiving accolades since its inception in 2006, when it won the ASA's Bronze Performance Achievement Award, recognizing excellent performance over its first 90 days. In 2007, Manatee Memorial was one of only 31 hospitals to win the ASA's Silver Performance Achievement Award for excellent performance over 12 months. In 2008, it was one of only 35 hospitals in the U.S. — and one of only three in Florida — to win the Gold Award.

Ralph Gonzalez, MD Bradenton Neurology, Inc. 3930 8th Ave. W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3115

"Winning this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work of our staff and the support of our administration," says Ralph Gonzalez, MD, a neurologist who helped create the stroke program. "The fact that we've continued to maintain these high standards shows that we're not resting on our laurels. There's always something new in stroke care and management, and we're always making sure we're on the advanced side."

An Updated Home
The 19-bed Stroke and Cerebrovascular Unit at Manatee Memorial underwent a complete face-lift last fall. The updated unit, which opened in November, features the following:

• Renovated patient rooms and bathrooms, with new flooring, paint, lighting and flat screen televisions
• Physical therapy room dedicated to stroke rehabilitation
• New nurses' station, positioned in the "hub" of the circular unit, so nurses can easily see and monitor all patients

Christine Fisher, RN Stroke Coordinator

Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors during their hospital stay can reduce their risk of a second stroke. The unit nurses provide patients and their families with customized education materials, based on individual risk profiles, written in easy-to-understand formats in English and Spanish.

The unit has a rehabilitation gym where patients can start therapy while they are hospitalized. Manatee Memorial also offers outpatient stroke rehabilitation services at The Physical Medicine Clinic, located in the hospital, and The Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, in East Manatee County. Both facilities are staffed with physical, occupational and speech therapists who work with patients to help them regain lost skills and restore independence.

Time Lost Is Brain Lost
Learn to recognize stroke symptoms so that, if you or someone you know experiences a stroke, you can get immediate medical attention.

According to the American Stroke Association, the five typical signs of stroke are sudden:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

Are You Ready?
Learn more about our treatment for stroke -- please visit www.manateememorial.com or call 941-746-5111.

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862