AU stroke team earns AHA quality achievement award

According to the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, almost 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke every year.

Listed as the fifth leading cause of death as well as a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S., working to help stroke patients is a priority.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment shown by the Augusta University Medical Center stroke team, the American Heart Association with the American Stroke Association have awarded the stroke team with the Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award for the second year.

To achieve this award, the hospital must meet specific quality measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.

“We are pleased to recognize Augusta University Medical Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and executive vice chair of Neurology, director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

“Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get with the Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

Congratulations on your achievement!