Primary Stroke Service

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and is a preventable disease. Organized systems of care are well known to improve patient outcomes. Stroke management requires a dedicated and comprehensive team that focuses on acute intervention, prevention measures, recovery, and education.

UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center (UMMH-MRMC) Primary Stroke Service (PSS) is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion, and respect. The primary stroke service center delivers high-quality, data-driven, evidence-based care to patients experiencing stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

As a Department of Health validated Primary Stroke Service, we provide:

• 24/7 Stroke Response: A specialized, multidisciplinary stroke team is available around the clock to provide immediate evaluation and treatment, including the administration of thrombolytics and activation of rapid intervention protocols.
  
  
• Advanced Imaging & Diagnostics: The center utilizes advanced imaging modalities including CT, CTA, and MRI to facilitate prompt and accurate stroke diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment. CT/CTA are available 24/7.
  
  
• EMS Collaboration: Coordinated efforts with local emergency medical services allow for pre-hospital stroke recognition and expedited in-hospital care, significantly improving treatment times and outcomes.
  
  
• Standardized Clinical Protocols: Care is delivered according to evidence-based guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, ensuring consistency, safety, and best practices.
  
  
• Access to Neurology Expertise: The stroke team includes access to on-site and remote neurologists through telemedicine partnerships, providing timely consultation and care decisions. The Stroke Center is led by a board-certified vascular neurologist.
  
  
• Inpatient Stroke Management: Patients receive care from a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and therapists trained in stroke treatment and recovery, with early involvement in discharge planning and rehabilitation.
  
  
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are initiated as early as possible to support functional recovery and independence.
  
  
• Community Education & Prevention: The center engages in outreach efforts to raise awareness of stroke symptoms (e.g., FAST), risk factors, and prevention strategies to reduce the burden of stroke in the community.
  
  
• Quality Improvement & Data Monitoring: Continuous performance evaluation through participation in national stroke registries (such as Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke) helps drive improvements in patient care and outcomes.
  
  

Post-Acute Support & Resources: The program ensures continuity of care through follow-up coordination, referrals to outpatient services, and support for stroke survivors and their families.