CONTRIBUTED BY EAST ALABAMA HEALTH
EAST ALABAMA — East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) has received the American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus” designation for demonstrating commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate stroke care through following nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
In addition, the hospital also earned recognition for “Target: Stroke Honor Roll” and “Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.”
“Our organization strives to reduce fatal stroke cases in our community through exceptional treatment and strong post-care support,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “We are deeply committed to delivering the highest quality of care for our patients while holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards. These recognitions speak to that commitment.”
Stroke is the fifth most common cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disabilities. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures in the brain. As a result, part of the brain does not get the oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.
The American Heart Association’s “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.
EAMC also holds designation as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the Emergency Department. Patients admitted to the hospital due to a stroke receive specialized care throughout their stay.
EAMC qualified for both recognitions by demonstrating how the organization is committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, EAMC, as a “Get with the Guidelines” participant, educates patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
Patients who have experienced stroke are often seen at the Neurology Center of East Alabama, where a team of neurology specialists help them throughout the recovery process.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize East Alabama Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s 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.”
