ENCSN News: 2010

Clarification from NC OEMS on “Stroke Capable Hospital” Designation

July 27, 2010. Download full pdf report here

5/5/11. EXCERPT: "...As our county EMS systems have adopted the triage and destination plans for stroke, there has been some misinterpretation as to whether a hospital providing services meeting the criteria under the definition of a “Stroke Capable Hospital” requires the OEMS to designate a hospital as such. This is not an accurate depiction of the function of our agency in relation to this definition.

Per North Carolina general statute and rule, the only hospitals the OEMS has authority to award any type of designation to, are to those who meet criteria for the management of trauma patients by the designation of trauma centers. All other designations awarded are unique to the respective accrediting bodies.

...The hospitals that meet the definition of a Primary Stroke Center are those that are certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. Hospitals that are identified as either a Stroke Capable Hospital or a Community Hospital are those that the local EMS System have listed in their plan based on the terminology used in the Triage and Destination Templates. The definitions included in the Triage and Destination Templates are provided only as a guideline for EMS Systems in identifying a hospital’s capability and are not meant to signify that any hospital has been "designated" based on any specific accrediting standards defined by the Office of EMS."

Link: See past ENCSN presentation on the EMS Stroke Triage and Destination Plan.
(October 2009, ENCSN Quarterly Meeting).



ENCSN Stroke Champion Highlight: The NC Stroke Association and Its Partners

4/17/10 Read the NC Stroke Association article.



ENCSN Stroke Champion Highlight: Onslow Memorial Hospital

3/23/10 and 3/8/10. The following Stroke Champion Highlight articles were written by Norman Taylor, Stroke Nurse Coordinator at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC. Read below to learn about the accomplishments Onslow Memorial has made in becoming a "Stroke Capable" Hospital, and how its work in stroke awareness and education has helped save lives.







March 23, 2010

To: Elynor Wilson and India Foy, ENCSN Staff

From: Norman E. Taylor II. Stroke Nurse Coordinator




Dear Elynor and India,

I am moved to share this story with the network and all those who come in contact with the Eastern North Carolina Stroke Network’s website how a small gesture can make a difference in Stroke outcomes. Recently I was stopped in our hospital by one of our dedicated patient transporters, George. He was so excited to let me know how grateful he was that our hospital’s Stroke awareness and education program assisted him to potentially save one of his friend’s lives.

Over the past year, our Stroke Committee has been working on developing a Stroke awareness and education module for our clinical and non-clinical staff. George had just completed this education module when he recently was visiting one of his friends at home and found the friend to be displaying signs and symptoms of a Stroke. George said he knew what he had to do: “Get help fast and call 911”. His friend was transported quickly to our Hospital, was admitted with an Ischemic Stroke, and was discharged to outpatient rehabilitation with much better outcomes than he would have had if George had not been aware of the signs and symptoms of a Stroke and called 911. His friend stated that if it had not been for George, “I would not have called for help because I didn’t know I was having a Stroke.” Not only did George’s friend have improved outcomes, he left Onslow Memorial Hospital with a better understanding about Stroke and is equipped to make better choices about his health for the future. George and I parted knowing we had made a difference in someone’s life.

This case is an example of how one small hospital, one initiative, and one person can make a difference in the outcomes of someone’s life. One dream and many partnerships across North Carolina and beyond contributed to this man’s successful outcomes. On behalf of Onslow Memorial Hospital, I extend my appreciation and thankfulness to each of you!


Norman E. Taylor II. BSN, RN
Stroke Nurse Coordinator
Onslow Memorial Hospital
Jacksonville, North Carolina

March 8th, 2010

To: Elynor Wilson and India Foy, ENCSN Staff

From: Norman E Taylor II, Stroke Nurse Coordinator

Subject: Stroke Accomplishments

March 1st, 2010 was a joyous day for Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH). After many tireless hours and a strong commitment for a brighter future for Stroke in Onslow County, our hospital became a “Stroke Capable” hospital. We joined forces with the North Carolina Stroke EMS Triage and Destination plan and promised to be a hospital which provides emergency care with a commitment to Stroke and the following capabilities:

  • 1. CT availability with in-house technician availability 24/7/365
  • 2. Ability to rapidly evaluate an acute Stroke patient to identify patients who would benefit from thrombolytic administration
  • 3. Ability and willingness to administer thrombolytic agents to eligible acute Stroke patients
  • 4. Accepts all patients regardless of bed availability
  • 5. Provides outcome and performance measure feedback to EMS including case review
This journey began in 2008 after grant funds were secured by several organizations including our hospital, The North Carolina Stroke Association, The North Carolina Stroke Care Collaborative, and the generosity and vision of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Our hospital and the citizens of Onslow County are blessed and very thankful for their financial support and without them our Stroke program would still be in its infancy. Other organizations and many wonderful people have been pillars of support throughout our journey and deserve no less appreciation for their role.

OMH is a 162 bed hospital and is situated in one of the fastest growing cities and economies in the Nation. We are home to one of the largest Marine Corps Installations in the world, and our coast line is just as special. At the same time, we are considered part of the “Stroke Belt Buckle”. OMH realizes that we have a part to play in promoting Stroke awareness and education and to remain focused on reaching as many individuals as possible to help reduce the devastating emotional, physical and financial stresses associated with Stroke. The core ingredients to our Stroke education program--whether inpatient or community based--align with the evidenced based practice and quality measure outcomes set by CMS and The Joint Commission. Each person reached by our Stroke education program is taught the different types of Stroke and the following information:

  • 1. Signs and symptoms of a Stroke/TIA
  • 2. Risk factors
  • 3. Prescriptions (understanding and timing)
  • 4. The importance of following up with a physician
  • 5. Calling 9.1.1. if you think you’re having a Stroke/TIA
These 5 teaching elements are crucial if we’re going to make an impact on reducing the number of Strokes in North Carolina and abroad.

In the community, we are offering Stroke risk screenings. These Stroke risk screenings provide total cholesterol checks, glucose checks, and Stroke education through counseling and health materials. Additionally, the hospital is providing Stroke presentations to the faith-based communities, work organizations, and anywhere we are invited to share this important information. We know we are an important link in the Stroke care equation and we invite every hospital (no matter how small) to join forces and do their part. Every hospital is unique and has different challenges, but together we can take North Carolina out of the forefront of Stroke occurrences.

In closing, I want to thank Elynor Wilson and India Foy with the Eastern North Carolina Stroke Network for providing this opportunity for Onslow Memorial Hospital to share its story. I also want to thank a few individuals that our hospital owes great gratitude for all their assistance and support over the past two years. Those members are the following: Our Hospital Authority Board; our CEO and President, Dr. Ed Piper; Josephine Malfitano, who wrote the OMH stroke grant; Nancy Pate; Dr. Garrett; our dedicated Emergency Dept.; Onslow County EMS; Carol Murphy and Sylvia Coleman with the N.C. Stroke Care Collaborative (NCSCC); Beth Parks and Margaret Rudisill with the North Carolina Stroke Association; and Ron Cromartie with the American Heart/Stroke Association.

A Stroke supporter and a family member affected by Stroke,

Norman E. Taylor II BSN, RN
Stroke Nurse Coordinator
Onslow Memorial Hospital
317 Western Blvd
Jacksonville, N.C. 28546
Office: 910-577-2838
Email: norman.taylor@onslow.org




ENCSN Stroke Champion Highlight: Pitt County Memorial Hospital

3/1/10. The PCMH Stroke Center and Neuroscience Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for achieving 85% or higher adherence to the “Get With The Guidelines®” Stroke Performance Achievement indicators for consecutive 12 month intervals and 75% or higher compliance with 6 of 10 “Get With The Guidelines” Stroke Quality Measures to improve quality of patient care and outcomes. For this commitment to excellence and patient care, PCMH has been awarded the 2009 GET WITH THE GUIDELINES® STROKE GOLD PLUS award.

At a ceremony to celebrate this recognition, Marie Welch, Stroke Center Nurse Coordinator, was also honored. Marie is an eastern NC stroke champion for leading the longest running Stroke Survivor group in eastern NC and remaining committed to obtaining Primary Stroke Center Certification for PCMH throughout the years. Marie is also an indispensable and active member of ENCSN, serving as an ad hoc member on the ENCSN steering committee and helping teach many CE activities. Marie Welch is the epitome of an Eastern NC stroke champion, and her hard work and commitment has gone a long way toward improving stroke prevention and treatment in the region.