Sutter Neuroscience Institute Stroke Center is made up of medical specialists, nurses and support staff dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of stroke. The program includes physicians nationally recognized as leaders in prevention, treatment and research. Stroke Center physicians participate in stroke-related clinical trials, such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Secondary Prevention of Small Cortical Strokes study, and a Phase III trial for the novel NeuroFlo™ device for treating acute strokes.

It is the mission of the center to provide quality care based on best practices across the continuum, from admission to recovery, to meet the healthcare needs of people with vascular disease of the brain living in Sacramento and Northern California.

Philosophy of Care
The Stroke Center offers a clearly outlined philosophy every member of the team applies to delivering care to stroke patients and their loved ones:

• We believe that stroke-focused care based on best practices improves patient outcomes and reduces care costs. Better outcomes mean reduced length of stay, reduced disability, and a higher level of functionality for the patient. [Brain Attack Coalition Guidelines (BAC), 2005]


• We believe that once stroke symptom onset is brought to the attention of a healthcare provider, that an efficient, rapid response is the most important factor in improving patient outcomes in stroke. That treating stroke quickly and following standard protocols and guidelines benefits both the patient and public health, and may help to improve hospital costs (BAC, 2005).


• We believe that research is an important cornerstone of care by providing options to patients and furthering the development of treatment of stroke.


• We believe that all stroke patients should be fully evaluated to determine the etiology (cause) of their stroke and that this information is vital in planning treatment and secondary prevention.


• We believe in designing, implementing and evaluating services for care delivery that are consistent with a "patient-first" philosophy and family-centered care approach.


• We believe in providing individualized care that is coordinated through interdisciplinary team collaboration in order to ensure continuity and seamless delivery, thus assisting in the use of technological advancements, the efficient use of financial and human resources, and enhanced communication.


• We believe that professional and public education is an important function of the Sutter Stroke Program. Each educational event represents a partnership opportunity to expand knowledge about stroke, diagnosis, optimal treatment, risk-factor reduction, and presentation, as well as an opportunity to promote the excellence of the center.

For more information about the Sutter Stroke Center, please call (916) 454-6979.