Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is taking part in an innovative programme to improve care and save live of patients with ischaemic stroke.
Caused by blood supply to the brain being severely reduced or completely cut off, Portiuncula is one of ten hospitals nationwide working together to improve ischaemic stroke care.
The quality improvement programme was developed by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the National Thrombectomy Service.
Mary Diskin, Acute Stroke QI project lead said their interest in this project is to “reduce the time for patients from arrival at the Emergency Department to the start of treatment if they were showing signs of stroke.”
She added that they were “delighted” to be presented with a leadership award for their work supporting patients attending the Stroke Services at the hospital.
The work also acknowledged their work within this programme raising awareness of the importance of the initial contact in the Emergency Department.
James Keane, General Manager of Portiuncula University Hospital, said that a stroke can be a life changing event.
He added that the hospital team are focused on, “driving innovation and further education to the benefit of all our patients, as demonstrated by their participation in this national quality improvement programme.”
The team at Portiuncula have recently been joined by Consultant Dr Niamh Hannan. Mr Keane welcomed her to the hospital, saying that they look forward to working with her, and bringing her expertise to their patients.
