Jefferson Health, a top health system with hospitals in South Jersey and Pennsylvania, has received the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke GoldPlus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital and Jefferson Washington Township Hospital joined eight Pennsylvania-based hospitals for the recognition, which is based on outstanding performance of 24 consecutive months or more.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries 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, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get with the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get with the Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Each year, program participants qualify for the award 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.
Jefferson Health President Baligh Yehia was proud to receive the recognition.
“Here at Jefferson, we’re honored by this recognition,” he said. “It validates our dedication to not only improving patient care, but also using research to translate guidelines into real-world action.
“This translates to closing the gap in stroke care access and effectiveness, ultimately saving more lives and minimizing disability. As one of the nation’s leading stroke centers, Jefferson Health treats more than 5,000 patients annually with our team of highly trained specialists equipped to handle even the most complex cases.”
