22 December 2008
NHSG/114/08
Telehealth innovation brings clot-busting service to Moray
People admitted to Dr Gray’s Hospital with stroke symptoms now have instant access to stroke experts at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) through a teleconsultation. This innovative approach means patients can be assessed for the clot-busting treatment called thrombolysis, which can greatly improve a patient’s recovery from stroke.
“This is the first 24/7 telemedicine network for stroke thrombolysis decision-making in Scotland, and, I believe, in the UK,” says Anne Duthie, Service Development Manager at the Scottish Centre for Telehealth. Anne managed this development, as part of a national project using telemedicine to provide equal access to stroke specialists.
The new service has been welcomed by Issie Graham, Lead System Manager for Dr Gray’s: “Some 150-200 patients in Moray experience strokes each year, the consequences of which can be devastating. This procedure, which can enhance recovery, is a significant addition to our services here.
”Helen Mellis, Clinical nurse manager of our A&E, has been leading the developments, and the implementation of the service.”
The clinical lead for the service is Dr Mary Joan Macleod, Acute Stroke specialist in (ARI): “Knowing the symptoms of stroke and acting immediately is vital – you call 999. Although not all patients are suitable for this treatment, the earlier people are seen after the symptoms come on, the more likely they are to benefit.”
In Dr Gray’s A&E department, there is now a high resolution plasma screen in a dedicated room linked to the stroke unit at ARI. Staff will set up the teleconsultation and be with the patient during the consultation. The patient will be able to have vital tests at Dr Gray’s, such as a CT brain scan to establish the type of stroke, and local staff will administer treatments, including administering the clot-busting drug, if it is suitable for that type of stroke.
Stroke signs
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland promote a simple way to help everyone spot the signs of stroke, using the initials FAST, which stand for:
Face: can the person smile? Has their mouth, or eye, drooped?
Arm: can the person raise both arms?
Speech: can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test: test all three symptoms and if the person fails any of these tests, call 999.
ENDS
Notes to news editor:
Thrombolysis
The main treatment for a heart attack is the administration of clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolysis) which help restore blood supply in the coronary arteries to the affected part of the heart, by allowing the blood to circulate more effectively through the blood vessels. The same approach is used for some strokes, when it is established that a clot is the cause, rather than internal bleeding.
The Scottish Centre for Telehealth is based at the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen and serves the whole of Scotland. www.sct.scot.nhs.uk
Chest Heart &Stroke Scotland’s website is www.chss.org.uk
For further information, please contact NHS Grampian Corporate Communications, on 01224 554400.
NHS Grampian
Corporate Communications Department
Ashgrove House
Foresterhill
Aberdeen AB25 2ZA
01224 554400