Winona Health’s Stroke Program recently received top awards from Emplify Health’s Regional Stroke Program and Tele-Specialist’s Quality Division for 2024 Stroke Performance.
“When someone comes through our doors with a possible stroke, they can expect to receive care that results in the best possible outcome—the kind of care that each of us would wish for our own family members,” said Dr. Chris Watras, Winona Health Stroke Program director and Emergency Department physician.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. During a stroke, the affected part of the brain begins to die. Quick treatment for stroke equates to less brain damage.
Of the 13 total regional hospitals, Winona Health received honors in these categories:
Most Improved Stroke Process. Top 2024 Regional Site Improvement Process. This reflects the August 2024 Tele-Stroke in CT improvement project work and results. During the project, Winona Health collaborated with Emplify Health and TeleSpecialists to optimize workflows, upgrade technology and increase caregiver training.
Fastest door to CT (1 minute). This reflects the time from a patient arriving in the Emergency Department with a possible stroke to obtaining the CT Head image.
Fastest door to needle (14 minutes). This reflects the time from a patient arriving in the Emergency Department with a possible stroke, to completing multiple evaluations and testing, to then receiving the clot busting medication intravenously.
Fastest door in to door out time for neuro-intervention (61 minutes). This reflects the time from a patient arriving in the Emergency Department, completing multiple evaluations and testing, given the clot busting drug, and then being transferred as quickly as possible for a surgical procedure to further remove the clot.
Winona Health’s Stroke Program Coordinator, Maria Pellowski expressed sincere gratitude for all the external and internal caregivers who collaborated on this project. The process improvements also resulted in the Tele-Specialist Quality Division honoring Winona Health with a Quality Improvement Achievement Award.
“Receiving these top awards reflects the training and commitment of our entire emergency team, from Winona Area Ambulance Service to the caregivers in the Emergency Department, Imaging Services, Pharmacy and Lab,” said Dr. Watras.
Recognize the signs of stroke
It’s important to remember that the best stroke care and outcomes are only possible when patients to get emergency help right away.
Be aware of the signs of stoke: If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, call 911 right away.
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusions or trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance.
- Severe headache with no known cause.
Winona Health has been an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital since 2014. It is staffed and equipped to quickly evaluate, stabilize and provide life-saving care for people experiencing a stroke.
For more information about Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org.
Winona Heath received Stroke Program Top Performer awards from the Emplify by Gundersen Health Stroke Program.
English 
Español 
Hmong