PSG Hospitals, in connection with World Stroke Day 2020, organized several stroke awareness programs on Thursday, with the support from PSG College of Nursing. Firstly Stroke-Awareness pamphlets were distributed to the public and patients visiting the hospital. The first copy was released by Dr.J.S.Bhuvaneswaran, Director, PSG Super Speciality Hospitals. Then posters bearing awareness messages, treatment options and recovery programs were displayed at the entrance.
Dr.J.S.Bhuvaneswaran said “this day remains a very important day in creating awareness about stroke. If you look at the past, we did not many options to save people affected by stroke. But now, with the advancements in medicine, science and technology, we have great opportunities to save the patients from stroke and also have high chances to restore their hands and legs to perfect functionality, only if the patients come to the hospital fast. When patients arrive delayed to the hospitals, along with them their families’ suffer. This scenario should change and for that awareness about stroke should be more. I wish that this change happens fast.”
Dr.Balakrishnan, Head of Neurology Department, PSG Hospitals said “the public has high awareness that they should visit the hospital soon if they suffer heart attack but they are not aware about stroke’s threat. The causes for both these diseases are more or less the same. People should know about stroke and visit stroke-ready hospitals soon. PSG Hospitals functions 24/7 with a well-coordinated team of doctors including neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons and supportive staff. So stroke-hit people can visit us at any time. Patients should never delay a minute. Every second counts.”
Dr.Santhosh Neurologist said “When a patient arrives, we will examine their brain using CT/MRI Scan first. Based on that we’ll proceed with the treatment. Arriving within 4.5 hours makes the administration of live-saving thrombolysis medicine (clot-dissolving injection) possible. When that option is off the cards then we’ll provide mechanical thrombectomy and remove the clot. Patients’ arrival time plays a crucial role”
Dr.Ramamurthi, Head, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department said “ as soon as the treatments are completed, the patients will be sent to Stroke Rehabilitation Center. Rehabilitation is very important. If patients take proper training here for 6 weeks, they can make use of their hands and legs better like they normally used them. Among the many rehab therapies, we are the only hospital to offer Robotic Hand Therapy in Tamil Nadu.
Dr.Anuradha, Nursing Superintendent, said “ the Neurology department at PSG Hospitals has all the facilities to offer stroke-care. It is one of the biggest departments here. Patients arriving with acute stroke impact are examined quickly, decided what kind of treatment they need, and the apt treatment is given. Our Nurses also contribute to the improvement of the patient by assisting the doctors and therapists. We all work together for patients’ speedy recovery.
Prof.Nirmala from PSG Nursing College said “ the theme of this year’s world stroke day is “Don’t be The One”. In connection with that we organized poster competition for our nursing students on how nurses can help the acute and chronic stroke patients to recover. Since the theme of this year also invites all to Join the Movement, and not remain idle, our PG students performed simple dance moves in front of stroke-patients to show how it can help them to easily tackle stroke’s impact.”