Bozeman Health Announces Telestroke Partnership with University of Utah Health
Hospital news | Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Contact: Lauren Brendel, M.S.
Bozeman, MT [May 1, 2018]—Bozeman Health is pleased to announce a new partnership with Salt Lake City-based University of Utah Health (U of U Health) to provide a higher level of stroke care to the communities we serve. Bozeman Health's relationship with U of U Health began at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital in November 2015, and this partnership extends providing stroke care via telehealth, or the use of telecommunications to provide health care to patients in rural and remote areas, to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center effective immediately.
When patients are brought to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital with a stroke, Bozeman Health neurologists are immediately notified to consult and help treat with the emergency department physicians and care providers at Deaconess Hospital. As back-up for when a neurologist may not be available at Deaconess Hospital, and to ensure quick treatment at Big Sky Medical Center, emergency department care providers at either facility can now instantly communicate with U of U Health specialists via videoconferencing or telephone to discuss the patient's condition and collaborate to determine the best course of treatment. Telehealth technology allows providers at U of U Health to actually see the patient through videoconferencing technology so they can provide the highest level of care and coordination with care providers in Bozeman and Big Sky.
"We have expert, compassionate care teams at Deaconess Hospital and Big Sky Medical Center dedicated to providing the best possible care to all patients. This partnership allows us to enhance the stroke care given to stroke patients when time to treatment is critical," stated John Hill, Bozeman Health president and CEO.
Gordon Crabtree, CEO of U of U Health, said, "We know patients and their family members don't want to travel while dealing with health care crises. Because of this agreement, the people of Bozeman and Big Sky don't have to travel to receive care."
Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital has a three-year certified stroke ready program, based on the guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and recommendations from the American Stroke Association, and recently received an award from University of Utah Health for having the best TeleStroke average door to Alteplase (tPA) times for first quarter 2018.