Rush Copley Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award for the 10th consecutive year. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Gold Plus is the highest level awarded.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. 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.
“We are honored to once again receive this award,” said Deb Brunelle, MSN, RN, stroke coordinator at Rush Copley. “Our team is committed to improving patient care. By following the latest treatment guidelines, we put proven knowledge to work to help patients affected by stroke recover better. Our goal is to help people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”
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. 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.
A primary stroke center as certified by the Joint Commission, the hospital earned the Gold Plus award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. In addition to following recommended treatment guidelines, Rush Copley educates patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. Rush Copley is also involved in an innovative program that allows patients to be evaluated for stroke in the ambulance while being rushed to the hospital.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Rush Copley for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, 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.”
