Serena del Mar Hospital, the first Gold Center in the Caribbean region for comprehensive stroke care

This recognition, awarded by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) through its global Angels initiative, acknowledges the successful protocols and high standards of quality and safety of Hospital Serena del Mar in providing timely and comprehensive care to stroke patients.

Cartagena de Indias D.T. y C – February 26, 2024. Hospital Serena del Mar continues to make history for the health of Cartagena and the Caribbean region, thanks to its excellent medical practices and superior clinical outcomes. This is evidenced by the new recognition awarded by the World Stroke Organization as part of the WSO Angels Awards, which recognize the effective management of hospitals that have implemented successful protocols in the treatment of stroke patients, as well as monitored and provided data that contributes to research and the identification of areas for improvement in stroke care.

The Angels initiative is building a global community of stroke centers and referral hospitals, working daily to increase the number of patients treated promptly and optimize the quality of their care.

According to Dr. Manuel García, a neurologist at Hospital Serena del Mar and leader of the initiative at the institution, strokes, formerly known as thrombosis, have a high mortality rate worldwide. “It has been established that stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world and the leading cause of long-term disability. In Colombia, in particular, stroke is the second leading cause of death from medical causes,” he stated.

To achieve this important recognition, Hospital Serena del Mar has trained all its healthcare, medical, and administrative staff involved in the care of stroke patients, including nursing assistants, nurses, orderlies, emergency physicians, radiology specialists, and others. It has also implemented medical guidelines and special pathways for the care of these patients.

IDENTIFYING WARNING SIGNS: THE FIRST STEP TO SAVING LIVES

Manuel García, neurologist and leader of the stroke initiative at the hospital, urges the community to be alert to warning signs, as this is the first step to ensuring optimal care and timely diagnosis. He highlights five symptoms to watch out for:

Changes in vision, especially a reduction in the visual field.

Any type of imbalance: dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, especially if it is asymmetrical.

Any speech or language difficulties.

Weakness in the limbs.

If these symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room. The sooner someone seeks medical attention after the onset of symptoms, the more effective the care becomes and the better the prognosis for patients.