Carondelet sets mark for neurological treatment

Special to the Green Valley News

Over the last several years hundreds of patients had to be flown from Tucson to Phoenix, Flagstaff, San Diego or Albuquerque because the neurological care they needed was not immediately available.

At a luncheon by the Carondelet Foundation at Quail Creek on Thursday, neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Goldfarb said Carondelet Neurological Institute now offers around-the-clock neurological/neurosurgery coverage and has technological equipment that is the first of its kind in North America.

The Institute, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Hospital, opened 11 months ago and has treated 2000 patients. It was officially dedicated April 26.

“We realized there was a gap in neurological services, especially when time is of the essence such as with a stroke or brain injury,” Goldfarb said.

He repeated critical medical advice regarding a three-hour window from the onset of a stroke. “It’s not three hours from the time you get to the hospital; it’s three hours from the onset of a stroke.

CNI offers help to those who have had a stroke or brain injury, treats those with brain and spinal cord tumors as well as those with movement disorders due to Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. CNI also treats patients with memory disorders due to Alzheimer’s Disease and those with balance disorders due to vertigo.

Goldfarb said medical technology at the new facility is so current that physicians from Australia recently visited. In May doctors from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore will be visiting. Johns Hopkins will implement similar technology in about nine months.

One of the newest technologies at CNI is the seamless exchange of electronic information across the campus that allows a coordinated, customized treatment plan for each patient.

CNI staff includes 129 medical professionals who are specially trained and certified to care for patients with neurological disorders. This includes 72 nurses and 42 neuro-therapists.

Carondelet in Sahuarita

CEO of the Carondelet Foundation Pamela Doherty used the local opportunity to give an update on the proposed hospital and urgent care facility.

“Carondelet remains committed to this area, but there are no immediate plans,” she said about the hospital.

“The Carondelet urgent care center in Sahuarita is happening, but there is no time table,” she added.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.