Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

AHOSKIE – Keeping care close to home, whenever possible, is always the ultimate goal of all the Vidant Health hospitals.

Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital recently discharged their first retained stroke patient that had been treated with Alteplase, a “clot-busting” enzyme that works to break up and dissolve blood clots that can block the arteries. This was the first milestone with these advances Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital has made with the stroke program, since certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission in March, 2021. In the past, patients treated with Alteplase had to be transferred to other primary stroke centers.

“This is a huge celebration for our hospital and our community, as this evolution in care keeps our patients healing closer to home,” said Allison Castelloe, BSN, and Stroke Coordinator. “While Alteplase has been in existence for years, we are now able to keep and treat our Alteplase patients right here in Ahoskie.”

Keeping patients local, healthcare providers can educate stroke survivors, and their family members, about the steps they need to take to reduce the chances of another incident, as part of the care plan, while monitoring recovery.

“Our first, retained patient, Mr. Phillip Peachy, was transferred to us from another hospital and our ICU staff took great care of him,” Castelloe noted. “Mr. Peachy discharged within 48 hours of his arrival and was very appreciative of the care he received. He spoke highly of our stroke program and the team members that took care of him, calling Alteplase a miracle drug.”

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember to BEFAST, the acronym designed to check the Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, and Speech.

For more information about strokes, call the Stroke Coordinator, Allison Castelloe, at 252-209-3521.