Oneida, N.Y. February 24, 2025 – Oneida Health Hospital is the latest health care facility to become a member of the Telestroke Network at Upstate University Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center in Syracuse.
Through its Telestroke Network, Upstate University Hospital can connect its stroke specialists with the medical staff at Oneida Health Hospital—some 30 miles east of Syracuse— to aid in the assessment and care of patients at the Oneida facility who may be experiencing a stroke. Oneida’s telestroke connection goes live Feb. 26.
When a patient arrives at the Emergency Department at Oneida Health Hospital with symptoms concerning for stroke, Oneida Health Hospital staff can now consult with an Upstate stroke specialist. Within minutes an established televideo conference connection allows stroke specialists to view the CT brain scan, examine the patient and talk with patients, families and physicians about early intervention and facilitating care, both are crucial steps in improving outcomes for patients suffering a stroke.
“Being part of Upstate University Hospital Stroke Center’s Telestroke Network enables our patients to receive top-notch stroke care from specialized neurologists at a tertiary care facility while remaining at their local community hospital,” said Felissa Koernig, president and CEO of Oneida Health. “We are proud to collaborate with Upstate to deliver this vital care.”
Oneida’s Chief Medical Officer Jason Lorenc, MD, said joining the network makes sense for Oneida patients. “This collaboration through telemedicine not only enhances the speed, quality, and effectiveness of treatment for patients experiencing strokes, but also marks a critical improvement in stroke care. Our patients will benefit from this collaboration.”
Upstate University Hospital Chief Executive Officer Robert Corona, DO, MBA, applauded the partnership with Oneida Hospital. “We are pleased to welcome Oneida Hospital to the Upstate Telestroke Network. As the only academic medical center in this region, we must assist the hospitals in our area with the support they need. This partnership in stroke care extends our commitment to providing timely, life-saving care for stroke patients at Oneida Hospital. Together, we will improve outcomes for patients and continue advancing the standard of stroke care across the region.”
The standard protocol for ischemic (non-hemorrhagic) stroke treatment is intravenous tPA, a clot-busting drug that can provide maximum benefit to patients if administered within a short time after the appearance of the first signs of stroke. Quick action and administration of the drug can give to stroke patients the best chance at not only survival but also functional recovery, which can mean a life with little or no disability.
With the addition of Oneida Hospital, Upstate’s Telestroke Network now supports stroke care and diagnosis at 13 hospitals across the region. They are Canton Potsdam Hospital, Carthage Area Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Clifton-Fine Hospital, Lewis County General Hospital, RRH Massena Hospital, Oswego Hospital, River Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center and Upstate University Community in Syracuse.
Over the past two years, Upstate Telestroke Network has conducted 229 telestroke consults with its Telestroke Network partner hospitals.
Upstate is the region’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center as designated by DNV Healthcare, a national hospital accrediting body. Upstate is also designated by New York State Department of Health as a Primary Stroke Center. These designations represent the highest level of accredited stroke center designation available in New York.
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About Oneida Health
Oneida Health is a regional integrated healthcare network based in Oneida, NY operated by Oneida Health Systems, a New York State not-for-profit corporation. From a four-bed hospital in 1899 to a local leader in patient care for 125 years, Oneida Health has had a singular vision for providing the highest levels of patient safety and experience through the perfect pairing of talented medical professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Offering physical rehabilitation, primary and specialty care, lab draw services, an award-winning hospital, and skilled nursing, Oneida Health invests in the health of its communities through a network of services focused on long-term health and prevention.