In an effort to become a leading healthcare facility, South Fulton Medical Center has recently implemented a slew of new programs that will help the hospital better aid its patients.

Just a few months ago, the hospital launched a new stroke and tele-neurology program that includes advanced technologies, stroke-trained nurses in the emergency department and critical care unit, and strict guidelines developed by the American Stroke Association, according to a news release.

With the formation of a board consisting of representatives from several departments physicians, nursing, respiratory therapy, lab, occupational/physical therapy they were able to address the growing needs of the surrounding community.

Dana Meyer, stroke program coordinator and clinical leader of the emergency department, intensive/critical care units, said the group met weekly and were able to get the program up and running in a timely manner.

Because time is of the essence, especially when dealing with a potential stroke case, Karim Godamunne, M.D., mentioned this new program will help them diagnose patients much quicker.

“We can now offer treatment in a fast and effective way so they [patients] can get life changing therapy that return them back to their normal state, when if they don’t get it they have long-term problems for the rest of their life,” he said.

One of the new additions to the program is the RP-7, which is a wireless, mobile, remote presence robot that lets physicians be in two places at once, according to a news release.

The robot allows a doctor to log on to his/her computer at home and get a 365 panoramic view of the patient. Along with a microphone, the RP-7 is outfitted with a camera that can pan, tilt, zoom and take still pictures.

“I can’t understate the importance of the robot,” said Godamunne. “The American Stroke Association in May of 2009 said the tele-medicine device used for strokes is good or not better than having a neurologist on staff or calling in.”

The machine, which is fully mobile to use within any area of the hospital has also been used by neurologists, neurosurgeons and cardiologists at least 34 times so far.