It's important to recognize stroke symptoms and go to the closest emergency
department fast. An easy way to remember is what to do is the acronym BE FAST.
B is for Balance — a sudden loss of Balance.
E is for Eyes — a sudden change in vision.
F is for FACE — Does one side of the patient's face droop more than the other?
A is for Arms — Can you raise both arms and keep them raised for 10 seconds?
S is for Speech — Is the patient's speech slurred more than usual?
T is for Time —If you see any of these signs, it's time to
call 911.
Learn the Six Signs of Stroke In Less Than 60 Seconds
Learn the six signs of stroke in less than 60 seconds with Dr. Sean Oldroyd,
Stroke Program Medical Director at Kaweah Health. Please remember to share
this information with your loved ones — it could save their lives.
Stroke Program Hero of Heroes Award
Physician Stroke Hero of Heroes 2024
Dr. Richard Pantera is being recognized for his leadership and dedication in caring for our
stroke patient population. He has dedicated countless hours teaching our
residents and championed many research activities. The Stroke Hero of
Heroes recognition is presented to providers who have achieved exemplary
contributions and outstanding performance in the treatment of stroke.
Staff Member Stroke Hero of Heroes 2024
Alice Goodin, RN is being recognized as a Stroke Hero for her dedication and compassion
for our stroke patients in the Emergency Department. She is a strong stroke
patient advocate, ensuring we are consistently providing evidence based
care. The Stroke Hero of Heroes recognition is presented to staff who
have achieved exemplary contribution and outstanding performance in the
care of our stroke patients.
Congratulations Dr. Pantera and Alice!
Kaweah Health Stroke Program
Preventing and Treating Strokes in Visalia, Tulare County and Surrounding Areas
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the nation. Every 40 seconds,
someone in the United States has a stroke, and every four minutes one
person will die from a stroke. According to the California Department
of Public Health, more people stroke death rate in Tulare County is higher
than the rate for all of California (42.7 per 100,000 compared to 38.1
per 100,000 deaths). Stroke is a disease that affects the blood vessels
that take blood to your brain.
Kaweah Health is committed to providing the best care possible for our
patients who have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). According
to Healthgrades Clinical Quality Reports, Kaweah Health's stroke death
rate has been beyond expectations as compared to other hospitals throughout
the nation. With this commitment, Kaweah Health has obtained the Joint
Commission's Primary Stroke Certification. By pursuing certification,
Kaweah Health has reduced the variation in clinical processes thus improving
the quality of patient care and increasing community education on stroke
prevention.
Mission Statement
The mission of Kaweah Health’s Stroke Program is to provide timely,
patient-centered, and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible
outcomes for patients with signs and symptoms of acute stroke.
Goals
Rapid identification of patients with signs/symptoms consistent with acute stroke
Management of acute stroke patients, appropriately and efficiently according
to best practice guidelines
Maintain certification as a Primary Stroke Center and be recognized as
a neurological center of excellence
Rapid Response Team (RRT) responds to all in-patient stroke alerts
During business hours, 7 Days a Week
Case Management and Social Services
Physical and Speech Therapies
Admits to Acute In-Patient Rehabilitation Hospital
During business hours, 6 Days a Week
Occupational Therapy
*Endovascular procedures require transfer to another facility.
Kaweah Health receives 2023 Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD
PLUS with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Quality
Achievement Award
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize
Kaweah Health for its continued success in using the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke
GOLD PLUS with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes
Honor Roll. Kaweah Health applies the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment
guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in the community we serve.
For more information, please visit Heart.org/GWTGQualityAwards.
Advanced Primary Stroke Center
In Spring 2018, The Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association
awarded Kaweah Health Medical Center certification as an Advanced Primary
Stroke Center. The certification means that Kaweah Health is making exceptional
efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke patients. “We commend
Kaweah Health for becoming a leader in stroke care, potentially providing
a higher standard of service for stroke patients in its community,”
said Patrick Phelan, Executive Director, Hospital Business Development,
The Joint Commission.
Patient Visits at Kaweah Health
Patient Stroke Types and Volume
Ischemic
398 Annual
33 Monthly
Hemorrhagic
100 Annual
8 Monthly
TIA's
303 Annual
25 Monthly
Stroke Program Leadership
Dr. Sean Oldroyd Stroke Program Medical Director
Cheryl Smit, RN-BC Stroke Program Manager
Emma Camarena, RN Advanced Practice Nurse
Kelsey Zapata, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Emergency Department Pharmacist
Program Contact Information
Cheryl Smit, RN, Stroke Manager
(559) 624-2133
Kaweah Health Quality and Patient Safety Department
520 W. Mineral King Ave. | Visalia, CA 93291
Kaweah Health receives 2023 Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD
PLUS with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Quality
Achievement Award
