St. Joseph-Reading is Penn State Hershey’s First Partner in Stroke Telemedicine Network
Date
08/03/2012
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Leaders from St. Joseph Medical Center, Reading, PA, and Penn State Hershey joined Pennsylvania state representative Thomas Caltagirone at an event announcing their partnership in a telemedicine network for stroke care.
Article Text
Patients who come to St. Joseph Medical, Reading, Pa., with symptoms of a stroke now have access to specialized neurologists and neurosurgeons through St. Joseph’s partnership with Penn State Hershey’s LionNet telemedicine system for stroke.
Using a sophisticated robotic system, LionNet provides on-demand patient data and live two-way audio and video that enables St. Joseph’s emergency physicians and neuro specialists to consult with specialists at Penn State Hershey. Physicians can also use the technology to review patient information and communicate with family members and on-site clinicians.
St. Joseph is a Certified Stroke Center. “By partnering with Penn State Hershey, we are able to provide optimal care in a timely manner,” said John R. Morahan, St. Joseph president and CEO. “This partnership is a good example of how hospitals will collaborate in the future as we seek to improve the health of our community.”
St. Joseph and Penn State Hershey demonstrated LionNet at an event that also recognized a new state law. The Primary Stroke Center Recognition Act (Act 54) assures that patients with stroke symptoms will be quickly identified and transported to facilities that provide rapid triage, diagnostic evaluation and treatment. The law establishes a statewide system of stroke care by recognizing the expertise of primary stroke centers and directing the creation of emergency medical services training and transport protocols for patients with stroke symptoms.
