Baptist Memorial Hospital in Paragould has received recognition as the only stroke-ready hospital in Greene County, officials announced.
The designation, granted by the state, highlights the hospital’s ability to provide efficient and high-quality stroke care. Key to this readiness is the use of advanced telemedicine technology, including a screen that connects patients directly with a stroke specialist.
Lacey Wheeler, director of the emergency department at Baptist Memorial, emphasized the importance of offering expert stroke care close to home.
“They’re receiving high-quality stroke care close to home,” Wheeler said. “It shows we’ve met the state standards for stroke recognition, treatment, staff, training, and community education.”
To qualify for the designation, Baptist Memorial applied in April and demonstrated its ability to perform critical tasks such as lab work and CT scans within tight timeframes.
Wheeler explained that the hospital uses a telehealth program from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) called AR SAVES. The initiative connects over 60 hospitals across the state, providing patients with immediate remote access to a stroke neurologist at UAMS.
“We place this screen in front of our patients at the bedside,” Wheeler said, describing the process. “That way, the neurologist can see them from head to toe.” A nurse also appears on the screen alongside the neurologist to assist with patient evaluations.
The hospital’s team begins treatment as soon as a stroke patient arrives in the emergency room, Wheeler said. Advanced imaging is performed, patients are educated about their condition, and neurologists determine treatment through telemedicine—all aimed at minimizing delays.
“Time is brain,” Wheeler said, stressing the urgency of stroke care. “During a stroke, brain cells are dying every minute. Calling 911 allows EMS to start that process immediately, and it gives the hospital time to prepare before the patient ever arrives.”
Wheeler urged the community to recognize stroke warning signs, using the acronym BE FAST: B for balance issues, E for vision changes, F for facial drooping, A for arm weakness, S for speech difficulties, and T for time to call 911.
She encouraged anyone suspecting they or someone near them is having a stroke to seek medical help immediately by dialing 911. "Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and should never be ignored," she said.
The hospital hopes the designation will raise awareness about stroke care and encourage early intervention, possibly saving lives in Greene County and beyond.