Walk-in clinic defends alleged stroke treatment

SUMMERLAND, BC:  When Lyn Jaquish felt her lips numb over and her fingers begin to tingle, she recognized the early symptoms of a stroke.

But what the 67-year-old Summerland woman did next may have affected a full recovery from the health event that affects one person in Canada every 10 minutes.

Instead of calling 911 for emergency medical help as recommended, Jaquish sought what she thought would be immediate medical attention; she walked out her back door to the walk-in medical clinic across the street.

Jaquish saw the doctor, who says he wasn’t able to say definitively she was having a stroke. Dr. Alistar Bannerman says her stroke symptoms were “soft”.

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But while Dr. Bannerman’s office didn’t call an ambulance to take the senior to hospital, he disputes her claim that it wasn’t offered.

“She didn’t want to go to hospital,” says Dr. Bannerman, who suggested she should go to Penticton Regional Hospital for observation.

Jaquish claims she was confused and scared, which is why she didn’t press for an ambulance, instead walking back home to ask a friend for a ride to Penticton.

When she arrived at Penticton Regional Hospital at 6 p.m., staff gave her a CT scan, which had been arranged by Dr. Bannerman, according to Jaquish. While it didn’t show signs of a stroke, she was given an MRI the next morning that found a small blood clot.

While Jaquish’s stroke was small, any sign of stroke should be attended to, according to medical professionals.

Treatment immediately following the symptoms of a stroke is crucial, assisting in better recovery outcomes, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Stroke signs include, sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, vision problems, severe headache and dizziness.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, call 911.

Jaquish is now taking cholesterol medication to prevent further stroke, but still has facial numbness.

She would like others to be aware of stroke symptoms and immediately call 911 for help.

For more information on warning signs of a stroke, click here.