Stroke Program

When it's a stroke, every seconds counts.

That's why Evergreen's stroke team is ready for action when a stroke patient arrives at the Emergency Department.  They know what to do so treatment can begin quickly...improving the patient's chances for a successful recovery.

Emergency Department

When paramedics suspect a stroke, they phone ahead to alert the emergency department.  This prompts a chain of events that makes the stroke patient a priority.

Stroke team physicians and nurses prepare for the patient's arrival. The team includes emergency physicians, neurologists and hospitalists. Interventional radiologists and neurosurgeons are brought in if needed.

Diagnostic imaging is standing by for immediate CT scans, with a radiologist on hand to read the results.

The lab is ready to rush blood tests.

Our team works together to quickly make diagnoses and decisions.

Patient Stories

"Four or five hours later, I was completely normal."

When medics rushed George Greenhalgh into the Emergency Department at Evergreen Hospital, he had a couple of things on his side - time, and the outstanding care provided by Evergreen, which has been certified a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. 

Patient:
George Greenhalgh 

Interventional Radiology

Evergreen's interventional team of specialized radiologists, nurses and technicians is available 24/7 to deliver clot-busting medication such as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), directly to the blocked vessel in the brain in appropriate cases.

If necessary, a mechanical catheter device can be used directly in the vessel to remove a clot.

Neurosurgery

If a stroke is due to bleeding in the brain, neurosurgeons are available at all times.

Inpatient Stroke Unit

Our two stroke units - critical care and progressive care - have trained nurses dedicated to meeting the needs of stroke patients.  They work together with the rehabilitation staff and social workers to manage each stroke patient's care, from monitoring vital signs and neurological status to providing the education needed to prevent secondary strokes. 

Rehabilitation Services

We have a team of rehabilitation specialists to assist patients and their families in all aspects of stroke recovery. They begin working with patients upon admission and continue after discharge.

Stroke patients needing additional therapy before being discharged will transition into the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. 

After going home, patients will continue their therapy on an outpatient basis through Evergreen Rehabilitation Services.

Certified as a Primary Stroke Center 

The Evergreen Stroke Program is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, which means we meet the highest national standards for stroke care.

All of Evergreen's emergency and hospitalist physicians have gone through specialized training from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Certification Program. ED and stroke unit nurses receive annual stroke education, to keep updated on the latest guidelines in stroke care.

For More Information

• Information about the inpatient Stroke Program at Evergreen Hospital: 425.899.2478
• Information about the post-stroke inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Evergreen Hospital: 425.899.2550
• Information about Outpatient/Neurological Rehabilitation at Evergreen: 425.899.3100