For the second consecutive year, Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get with The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This recognition honors our commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
“As the stroke coordinator, I am delighted we have received this recognition, as it is a testament to the unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment of our staff to ensure the highest standards of care for patients,” said Molly Karch, Stroke Coordinator for Mercy Health - Springfield. “Over the past year, we’ve added new providers who have expanded our neurology program with their expertise. We’ve also added new, cutting-edge technology to give them the best tools available to help save lives. Our goal is to ensure Springfield and its surrounding communities have the best level of care available so we can ensure more people experience longer, healthier lives.”
Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability nationwide. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is either blocked by a clot or busts. On average, someone in the US suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and speeding recovery times.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., 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.”
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. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Each year program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center also provides education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.