Rush Copley Medical Center was recently recognized by both the American Heart Association and the Joint Commission for stroke care.
The medical center received the Gold Plus achievement award from the American Heart Association for following nationally recognized guidelines to provide appropriate treatment to people experiencing stroke — helping to save lives and reduce disability.
In addition, the Joint Commission recertified Rush Copley as a Primary Stroke Center for meeting national standards in stroke care, ensuring timely, evidence-based treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Preventing death and disability
Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment improve survival, minimize disability and support faster recovery.
“We are committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Saju Abraham, MD, Rush neurologist and medical director of Rush Copley’s stroke program. “Our goal is to ensure people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”
Get With the Guidelines 
The Get With the Guidelines program brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, helping align patient care with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. The in-hospital program improves stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Gold plus is the highest level awarded.
Rush Copley also achieved Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll in this achievement program. Target Stroke Honor Roll recognizes the hospital for meeting criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. The Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award is for providing the most current, evidenced-base care to patients with Type 2 diabetes who might be at higher risk for complications when they are hospitalized due to stroke.
In addition to following recommended treatment guidelines, Rush Copley educates patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. Rush Copley also hosts a virtual Stroke Support Group twice a month for caregivers and survivors of stroke to share, listen and learn about managing their health after stroke.
Joint Commission certification
Following a rigorous, unannounced on-site review in June, the Joint Commission awarded Rush Copley’s stroke program the Gold Seal of Approval. During this one-day survey, the program was thoroughly evaluated against a set of national best practice standards in stroke treatment and care. Rush Copley earned full recertification with zero deficiencies or findings.
Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care. Compliance with Joint Commission standards helps the unit reduce variation in clinical processes and strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher-quality and more compassionate care for patients.
