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Media Contact:
Tim Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Community Relations
319-688-7340 or e-mail: tim.ahlers@mercyic.org
or Jeanne Hein, Director of Nursing Operations
Telephone: 319-339-3211 or email: jeanne.hein@mercyic.org
MERCY IOWA CITY OPENS SPECIALIZED UNIT
FOR STROKE PATIENTS
May 7, 2007/Iowa City, IA: Mercy Iowa City today opened a new unit dedicated to the care of patients who have suffered a stroke.
The 8-bed unit is part of the medical unit 4 Center and provides primarily a single-room environment. The unit is furnished specifically for the care of stroke patients; it includes a rehabilitation room and assistive devices for the benefit of patients and staff members.
“This specialized facility will allow us to consolidate our services for better care and rehabilitation capacity for our stroke patients,” said Richard Neiman, MD, neurologist and member of the Mercy medical staff. “It’s an excellent addition to Mercy’s care.”
In preparation for the unit’s opening, nursing staff have received intense additional training, including certification in use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a neurological assessment for stroke or suspected stroke patients. In addition to specialized nursing care, patients will work with physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists as needed.
“In this new unit we can help patients make the most of their rehabilitation potential,” said Mary Lee Livingston, RN, nurse manager of the unit.
In addition to Mary Lee Livingston, nursing unit leadership will be provided by development coordinator Suzanne Parsons, RN, and stroke care coordinator Kim Meyerhoff, RN, BSN.
Mercy Hospital Foundation has been instrumental is providing specialized equipment for the unit and educational notebooks for patients and families.
More information about the unit is available from Mercy On Call, 358-2767 or toll free at 800-358-2767.
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