GREENPORT, NY, December 4, 2024 - Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) is proud to announce the launch of 24/7 TeleStroke capabilities, marking a significant milestone in its path to becoming a designated Primary Stroke Center.
By leveraging telemedicine, SBELIH expands its capacity to connect directly with the Cerebrovascular and Comprehensive Stroke Center at Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) for consultation on complex cases - ensuring patients receive the most informed and highest standard of clinical service. Should the need arise for time-sensitive neurointerventional procedure, such as a mechanical thrombectomy to address a large vessel cerebral occlusion (blockage) to one of the major cerebral arteries, the patient can be rapidly transported to Stony Brook University Hospital.
“This collaboration not only enhances our ability to manage more complex cases, but also enables us to keep appropriate patients at SBELIH, providing them with high-quality care close to home,” said Paul J. Connor, Chief Administrative Officer, SBELIH. “Our ICU and Emergency Department teams are specially trained in critical care, stroke management, and neurological monitoring, further elevating the level of care available to the North Fork community.”
In preparation for Primary Stroke Center designation, Stony Brook is meticulously reviewing and integrating Clinical Practice Guidelines for stroke patient admission, treatment, and discharge policies, procedures, and processes utilized at SBELIH. This includes refining our post-stroke care, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Continuous staff education and training ensure the team is equipped with the most current knowledge and skills in stroke care, reinforcing SBELIH’s commitment to excellence in patient outcomes.
Led by Lawrence Schiff, MD, Stroke Program Medical Director at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, the team remains steadfast in refining protocols, adhering to strict treatment time metrics, and continually improving outcomes for stroke patients on the east end.
“Our efforts extend beyond the hospital walls. Through community outreach and education, we aim to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and the critical importance of seeking immediate medical attention,” said Dr. Schiff. “Empowering our community with this knowledge is vital—every minute matters in stroke care.”
Looking ahead, SBELIH is preparing to apply to become a Primary Stroke Center in 2025, with the support of Stony Brook University Hospital. This designation will continue to cement Stony Brook Medicine’s commitment to excellence and quality in stroke care and services with a skilled team of specialists 24/7 in the assessment and treatment of stroke patients on the North Fork.
