Rhonda Reader Vice President of Clinical Services & CNO | Oneida Health Hospital
Rhonda Reader Vice President of Clinical Services & CNO | Oneida Health Hospital
Oneida Health Hospital has become the newest member of the Upstate Telestroke Network, which is part of Upstate University Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center in Syracuse. This partnership allows stroke specialists from Upstate University Hospital to connect with Oneida Health's medical staff, located approximately 30 miles east of Syracuse, to assist in assessing and treating patients who may be experiencing a stroke. The telestroke connection at Oneida will be operational starting February 26.
Upon a patient's arrival at Oneida Health Hospital's Emergency Department with potential stroke symptoms, hospital staff can consult with an Upstate stroke specialist through an established televideo conference. This setup enables specialists to review CT brain scans, examine patients, and communicate with patients' families and physicians about early intervention strategies and care facilitation.
Felissa Koernig, president and CEO of Oneida Health, expressed satisfaction with this collaboration: “Being part of Upstate University Hospital Stroke Center’s Telestroke Network enables our patients to receive top-notch stroke care from specialized neurologists at a tertiary care facility while remaining at their local community hospital.”
Dr. Jason Lorenc, Chief Medical Officer at Oneida Health, highlighted the benefits for patients: “This collaboration through telemedicine not only enhances the speed, quality, and effectiveness of treatment for patients experiencing strokes but also marks a critical improvement in stroke care.”
Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, welcomed Oneida Hospital into the network: “We are pleased to welcome Oneida Hospital to the Upstate Telestroke Network... Together we will improve outcomes for patients and continue advancing the standard of stroke care across the region.”
The protocol for ischemic stroke treatment involves intravenous tPA administration shortly after symptom onset. Quick action can significantly improve survival chances and functional recovery.
With Oneida joining the network, Upstate’s Telestroke Network now includes 13 hospitals in total. The network has facilitated 229 telestroke consultations over two years among its partner hospitals.
Upstate is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare and as a Primary Stroke Center by New York State Department of Health.
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