ORLANDO – Seven Orlando Health hospitals have earned recognition from the American Heart Association for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients quickly receive proper treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital and Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital were awarded the Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for a qualification period of 24 months.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Achievement Award for a qualification period of 12 months.
“At Orlando Health, we know that quickly identifying a stroke and administering appropriate treatment to patients increases the chances of a better outcome, plus reduces the possibility of long-term health impacts,” said George Ralls, MD, chief medical officer, Orlando Health. “This recognition affirms our dedication to always providing the highest quality stroke care for our patients using the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines.”
A stroke occurs when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain from a blood vessel that is either blocked by a clot or has ruptured.
Every year in the United States, nearly 800,000 people have a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association and a leading cause of long-term disability.
In addition to following treatment guidelines, the stroke care teams at Orlando Health also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home, plus connect them to resources for follow-up care.
