Vidant Health Press Release: Hospitals Receive Get With the Guidelines Awards | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Greenville, N.C.     Vidant Health hospitals have received several American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for their work in treating stroke and heart failure.

    These awards recognize the hospital's commitment to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

    "We are dedicated to helping our patients have the best possible outcomes," said Teresa Anderson, PhD, RN, NE-BC, vice president of quality at Vidant. "Vidant's participation in Get With The Guidelines® demonstrates our commitment to quality care. The system is proud to be a part of the American Heart Association's efforts to turn guidelines into lifelines."

    Vidant Health hospitals receiving recognition include:

Vidant Beaufort Hospital	Silver Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll
Vidant Chowan Hospital	Silver Plus: Stroke
Vidant Duplin Hospital	Silver Plus: Stroke
Vidant Edgecombe Hospital	Silver Plus: Stroke
Vidant Medical Center	Silver: Adult Resuscitation
	Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll
	Gold Plus and Target: Heart Failure
	Gold: Pediatric Resuscitation
Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital	Silver Plus: Stroke

    "We are pleased to recognize Vidant Health for their commitment to stroke and heart 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, Massachusetts. "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."

    Stroke and cardiovascular disease-which includes heart failure, heart attack and cardiac arrest-are among the leading causes of death in the nation. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of hospitalization in North Carolina. The state also has a greater burden of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke.

    According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

    "These recognitions showcase the importance of Vidant's system-of-care as it relates to stroke," said Ashley Elks, director of stroke and neurosciences at Vidant Medical Center. "We know access to high-quality care for stroke patients leads to more positive outcomes, which is why we are committed to achieving system-wide Joint Commission Stroke Certification. The Get with the Guidelines® honors are a testament to this body of work."

• Contact: Brian Wudkwych
•     brian.wudkwych@vidanthealth.com