DERRY, NH ― (June 29, 2022) ― Parkland Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target―Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care.
This is the third consecutive year Parkland Medical Center has been recognized for this award.
“Parkland Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients and Get with The Guidelines makes it easier for our team to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients have better recovery and outcomes,” said Joanne McCourt, vice president of Quality and Patient Safety at Parkland Medical Center. “This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort from our EMS personnel, emergency physicians, cardiologists, radiologists, neurologists, and members of the stroke care teams, whose commitment to providing life-saving care to people in our communities is demonstrated every day.”
Parkland Medical Center earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines. The goal is to accelerate recovery and reduce death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also must receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Parkland Medical Center for their 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.”
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.