Lakewood Hospital is one of the few community hospital in the nation to operate a Neuro Integrated Care Unit for patients who suffer from stroke, cerebral aneurysm, brain injury, epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

 

 

Lakewood Hospital's Stroke Team has the highest rate among area hospitals and higher than average rates reported in national literature of dissolving blood clots that cause strokes. The excellent results are due in part to our very skilled and specially trained physicians and nurses within the Neuro Integrated Care Unit.

 

 

A Caring Environment

The care provided in the Lakewood Hospital's Neuro Integrated Care Unit is different from conventional treatment at other hospitals because our Unit integrates all of the levels of care for neurological patients regardless of their medical condition. 

When the Neuro Integrated Care Unit staff treats critically ill patients, they continue to treat them in the same room, with the same nurses up to the time when the patient is ready to go home or transfer to our Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit, or another facility that specializes in rehabilitation care.  This type of integrated care provides patients with optimal consistency and uniformity of medical treatment and recovery. 

 

A critical care nurse is assigned to each patient upon admission and this nurse is responsible for directing the patient's immediate care and constantly monitors the patient's needs. Each patient's assigned nurse works closely with the attending physician, house officers, the patient's family and other health care professionals who, together, coordinate an individual treatment plan. The patient's medical history, present illness and individual needs are important factors in creating the plan.

 

All staff members of the Neuro Integrated Unit participate in extensive orientation and continuing education programs specifically designed for the efficient and compassionate care of the neuro patient needing neurological care. Additionally, there are staff who have achieved credentialing in neurological nursing which is nationally recognized.

Improvements, upgrades and benefits 

Lakewood Hospital’s Neuro Integrated Care Unit offers many features such as the most advanced technological upgrades available; enhanced, full-service patient rooms and an increased workspace for physicians and staff to work more efficiently.  

 

• The Unit promotes a comfortable, healing environment for patients
• Integrated monitoring technology allows continuous monitoring of a patient’s sedation levels
• The Unit is designed to support continuous EEG and video monitoring
• The rooms are fitted with a custom designed lift that will enable the nurse to maneuver the patient along a rail system and safely move a patient from the bed
• Each room utilizes a nurse call system with a nurse locator technology
• Our partnership with the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute allows us to provide the most advanced neurological care close to home
  

 

• All patients and family members are encouraged to ask questions
• Whether there is something unclear or simply a curiosity, never hesitate to ask
• Nurses and staff members are willing and happy to answer questions and listen to concerns
• The patient’s nurse manages all of the care and is able to refer to other members of the health care team when necessary
• The physician is updated daily and will be happy to explain anything regarding medical condition
• The more patients and family members understand about various procedures and equipment, the greater the comfort level is for everyone

• So when questions arise… just ask!

   

 

 

• Flowers and plants are not permitted in the Neuro Integrated Care Unit. This aids in preventing possible allergic reaction.
• A limited number of personal items should be kept in the patient’s room. These can include slippers, robe, dentures and glasses. If there is something else that is needed, please talk with the patient’s nurse.
• Visitors must check with the patient’s nurse before bringing food, beverages or candy for the patients. This is extremely important as the diet of each patient is carefully monitored.

• Lakewood Hospital is a non-smoking facility. Visitors must leave the hospital grounds to smoke.