Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/701910
H E A LT H L I N KS 1 4 | PULSE S u m m e r 2 0 1 6 W hen someone has a stroke, the timing of intervention can make the difference between life or death and debilitating loss of brain function. Studies have shown that prompt access to a neurologist reduces mortality or the long-term disabling effects of a stroke. To ensure round-the-clock stroke coverage is available to South Bay patients, Torrance Memorial Medical Center's Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute has collaborated with Cedars- Sinai Medical Center to develop a Telestroke program to offer 24/7 access to stroke specialists and expedite the transfer of patients when higher-level intervention is needed. e program's launch at Torrance Memorial is made possible by a $250,000 gi to the Torrance Memorial Foundation from Francesca and Doug Deaver of Redondo Beach. "is partnership will facilitate instant collaboration between health care providers and stroke neurologists to produce a high accuracy diagnosis and result in th most effective treatment," says Eric Nakkim, MD, co-medical director, Lundquist Emergency Department, Torrance Memorial. "Research shows that Telestroke improves outcomes, reduces patient risks, decreases ambulance STROKE DIAGNOSIS GETS HIGH-TECH MOBILE VIDEOCONFERENCING EXPEDITES DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT TO SAVE LIVES AND PREVENT BRAIN LOSS. WRITTEN BY COLLEEN FARRELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY REMY HEYNES From left, Bernard Ullman, MD, Eric Nakkim, MD, and Ed Nazareth, RN, use the Telestroke program to consult in real time with specialists at Cedars-Sinai.