Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center –Murrieta, are recipients of the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. This award recognizes their commitment to providing stroke patients with the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
“We are honored to receive this award for excellence in stroke care because it reflects our dedication to our patients and commitment to the highest standards,” said Vincent V, Truong, Medical Director of LLU-Health Comprehensive Stroke Center. “Every team member plays a vital role in achieving these outcomes, and we will continue to maintain excellence and improve the lives of those we serve.”
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
"Anyone can be affected by a stroke, making it crucial to raise awareness and provide education on prevention and treatment,” said Ricardo Olivo, MD, Stroke Program Medical Director at LLUMC – Murrieta. “It’s vital to uphold the highest standards in stroke care and continually strive for excellence in medical practices to improve outcomes and enhance patient well-being.”
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 qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta, for their commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “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.”
Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center –Murrieta, also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.
Additionally, both hospitals also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.