When we first moved to Olympia, my mother needed medical care at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA. As a retired Registered Nurse, my mom doesn’t exactly fit the description of a “good” patient! But I have to say that the nurses, doctors and other staff were outstandingly caring, patient and understanding.
But that’s not the only reason why I’m so impressed with Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. They are always improving their patient care, and in this case, they are using video technology to bring physician expertise to stroke patients in rural areas.
If a patient is suffering from a stroke, time is critical in assessing and treating the patient. For patients in outlying areas, it can take too much precious time to get to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Six outlying hospitals are networked with St. Peter, and by using two-way video technology, the outlying patient and doctor are connected to an Olympia neurologist for an emergency consultation. The physicians at each end can also share brain scans and determine and discuss the best treatment options.
Providence St. Peter Hospital’s Stroke Program provides 24-hour nationally accredited care. The stroke team includes specially trained neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nurses, rehabilitation physicians and therapists.
The telestroke network reaches patients in Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Lewis counties.
With my dad an MD and my mom an RN, being in an area with excellent health care is an important factor in where I choose to live. I hope I never need to use the services of Providence St. Peter Hospital, but I am very grateful this innovative and modern health care facility is in my town of Olympia, WA!