BEMIDJI-Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Sanford Bagley Medical Center have been designated as Acute Stroke Ready hospitals by the Minnesota Department of Health. The designation recognizes hospitals for preparedness to evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency treatment to patients with acute stroke symptoms.
In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the department to designate hospitals in Minnesota as "stroke hospitals." The designations from lowest to highest level of stroke care are Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals, Primary Stroke Centers and Comprehensive Stroke Centers.
Nearly one in three Minnesota stroke victims first receive care at a small, rural hospital. In addition, more than one-third of Minnesotans live more than 60 minutes away from a Primary Stroke Center. These facts highlight the importance of local hospitals becoming designated as stroke-ready facilities, a release said.
Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Sanford Bagley Medical Center also recently gained telestroke capabilities, which gives patients believed to be having a stroke access to consultations from a neurologist.
