Stroke Care

Stroke Care Brochure

Preventing and treating stroke to help you live your best life.

When a family is impacted by stroke, life can change very quickly in a matter of minutes. That’s why the dedicated teams at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center offer a dedicated continuum of care for stroke patients.

The MercyOne Stroke Center provides evidence based quality care that continues to be recognized by the American Heart Association. MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center is one of only 99 hospitals nationwide, honored with the American Heart Association’s "Get With the Guidelines - Stroke" Gold Plus Achievement Award.

MercyOne Siouxland is the only American Heart Association Target Stroke Hospital in the area and is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission.

Team approach to deliver expert care

MercyOne stroke patients receive superior patient care from a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary

team of health care experts, including:

Trauma physicians
Referring physicians
Neurologists and neurosurgeons
EMS providers
Advanced neuro-trained nurses
Radiologists and neuroradiologists
Rehabilitation nurses
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech therapists
Respiratory therapists
Social workers
Dietitians
Clergy
Home care specialists
Stroke Center manager

24/7, rapid stroke care

Time is critical to surviving stroke. EMS providers communicate with the MercyOne Trauma Center

to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

MercyOne Air Med, our air ambulance, rapidly transports stroke patients from a 33-county area across the tri-state region to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, home to the area’s only Level II Trauma Center as verified by the American College of Surgeons.

Within minutes of arrival at MercyOne, patients receive expert care from a skilled, experienced team of physicians, specialists, nurses and technicians who are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Fast, accurate diagnosis

A comprehensive approach to the evaluation of cerebrovascular disorders is an important component in stroke care at MercyOne. Using advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques, neurologists and neuroradiologists quickly confirm a patient is suffering a stroke, and then rapidly identify the region of the brain affected by stroke and the blood vessels involved. Our commitment to state-of-the-art technology ensures our acute stroke team has immediate access to the best diagnostic resources and treatments.

Acute stroke care

At MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, stroke patients receive expert, personalized care in our specialized inpatient nursing units. Our dedicated, specially-trained colleagues utilize the most sophisticated medical technology and resources. Each patient is treated with the respect, compassion and dignity they deserve.

Rehabilitation

A critical part of stroke care at MercyOne is rehabilitation, which begins as soon as the patient is admitted to the hospital. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists help patients overcome or compensate for ability changes due to stroke. Rehabilitation programs are personalized to the individual needs of each patient.

Follow-Up

Personalized care with the MercyOne Stroke Center does not end when the patient leaves the hospital. We follow each patient’s progress across care and living settings, including at home, in rehabilitation or through skilled care at MercyOne. Emphasis is always placed on the highest possible quality of life each patient can enjoy after leaving the hospital.

Siouxland Stroke Support Network

The Siouxland Stroke Support Network, sponsored by MercyOne in cooperation with UnityPoint Health - St Luke’s, meets regularly to help stroke survivors, caregivers, families and support systems. For more information, call 712-279-5879.

When Minutes Count... MercyOne is Ready
EMS providers (first responders) EMTs and paramedics work at the front line in the battle against stroke. With recognition of the early symptoms of stroke, EMS providers communicate with the MercyOne Siouxland Emergency Care to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment. MercyOne Air Care allows for rapid transportation of stroke patients. Time is critical to stroke victims. That's why the medical experts at MercyOne - including neurologists, neurosurgeons and other specialists - are available 24-hours a day.

Rapid Diagnosis and Intervention
A comprehensive approach to the evaluation of cerebrovascular disorder is an important component in the continuum of care at MercyOne Siouxland Stroke Care. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, neurologists and neuroradiologists quickly confirm that a patient is suffering a stroke and rapidly identify the region of the brain affected by stroke and the blood vessels involved. Thanks to MercyOne's commitment to state-of-the-art technology, the acute stroke team has immediate access to the best diagnostic resources.

If a patient is a good candidate for t-PA emergency physicians and neurologists at MercyOne are able to administer the drug quickly and effectively. When necessary, MercyOne's neurosurgeons can skillfully perform delicate vascular neurosurgery using state-of-the-art facilities and medical equipment, such as the Stryker navigation system.

Using advanced imaging techniques, such as angiography and magnetic resonance imaging, neurologists can identify the region of the brain affected by stroke and the blood vessels involved. In carefully selected patients, they may be able to perform delicate manipulations of these blood vessels to treat acute stroke or to reduce the risk of new stroke.

Acute Stroke Care and Rehabilitation
Patients who have suffered a stroke receive specialized care in MercyOne's stroke unit, where dedicated, specially-trained personnel provide expert care utilizing the most sophisticated medical technology and resources. Each patient is treated with respect and dignity in a compassionate, family-friendly environment.

A critical part of care is rehabilitation, which begins as soon as the patient is admitted to the hospital. Specially-trained physical, occupational and speech therapists help patients overcome or compensate for disability. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Patients who require extended rehabilitation receive care in MercyOne's inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Care by the MercyOne Siouxland Stroke Care team does not end when the patient leaves the hospital. The Stroke Center continues to follow the patient's progress in other settings, such as home care or extended care. Emphasis is always placed on achieving the highest possible quality of life for each patient after leaving the hospital.

Preventing Stroke and Promoting Wellness
MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center places great emphasis on promoting wellness and stroke prevention by regularly hosting stroke screenings, evaluations and educational sessions.

For more information on stroke and the warning signs of stroke, visit the National Stroke Association website.