University Hospital nationally recognized for commitment to high-quality stroke care

USA Health University Hospital has once again earned three of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association awards designed to recognize excellence in stroke care that translates to improved outcomes for patients.

The first recognition, the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines - Stroke quality achievement award recognizes University Hospital for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

University Hospital also received the AHA’s Target: Stroke Elite Plus award and the Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. To qualify for the Elite Plus recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria reducing the time between a patient’s arrival and treatment with a clot-busting drug.

The third award, the Target: Type 2 Honor Roll recognition, was awarded to University Hospital because staff members ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who could be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized with a stroke.

Each year, healthcare facilities qualify for these awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize University Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”