Pointe Coupee General Hospital is one of many participating hospitals in Louisiana partnering with Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans to provide a unique and innovative way to ensure patients entering our emergency room presenting with stroke symptoms access to a vascular neurologist 24/7, 365 days per year. Time is a key component in reducing the effects of a stroke. Our ER was been equipped with the latest technology to provide remote live access at the patient’s bedside. When minutes and seconds count our Telestroke program is crucial in making a rapid stroke diagnosis. The Telestroke program enables the PCGH emergency room physicians and staff to consult immediately with an Ochsner vascular neurologist using high tech telemedicine equipment to aid in the diagnosis of a stroke and to determine the best treatment options for stroke patients.

If you are having what you think are symptoms of a stroke, go immediately to the ER or call 9-1-1. It is extremely important that if you or someone you know is showing signs of stroke, remember the acronym BE-FAST to lower the risk of death or disability:

B is for balance – Is the person unable to maintain proper balance?
E is for eyes – Is the vision affected? Are the eyes deviated to one side?

F is for face – Is your face drooping?
A is for arms – Can you lift both arms?
S is for speech – Are you slurring your words?
T is for time – Call 911 immediately.

PCGH is committed to providing the most advanced and up-to-date care possible for the residents of our community and surrounding areas. For more information regarding our Telestroke Program give us a call at (225) 638-5758.