MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center has been honored with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold quality award. This recognition highlights the hospital’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of stroke care based on the latest, research-driven guidelines.
The Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program is crucial for enhancing stroke treatment in hospitals. It emphasizes consistent adherence to evidence-based guidelines which help reduce the impact of strokes and lower the risk of death. MedStar Southern Maryland earned this prestigious award by demonstrating comprehensive adherence to these guidelines and by educating patients on managing their health post-treatment.
Stephen Michaels, MD, FAAOS, FACHE, president of MedStar Southern Maryland and senior vice president of MedStar Health, expressed pride in the award, stating, “Access to the highest level of stroke care is critical for patients across our community. This award showcases our hospital’s commitment to the latest treatment guidelines for the best outcomes for stroke patients.”
MedStar Southern Maryland is renowned as one of the busiest stroke centers in the region and is designated as a primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS). The hospital’s emergency stroke team rapidly administers care, utilizing advanced treatments and technologies like thrombolytics, or “clot-busting” drugs, and a range of neurological imaging techniques. This prompt and expert care is vital since the timing of treatment is crucial in mitigating the severe effects of a stroke.
The hospital’s stroke program extends beyond immediate care, actively engaging in community outreach. They educate patients, caregivers, and medical professionals about stroke prevention and care through various community events and educational programs.
Chile Ahaghotu, MD, MBA, MHL, FACS, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at MedStar Southern Maryland, also commented on the hospital’s achievements. “When a stroke occurs, access to quality and timely interventions is critical. I am extremely proud of the work being done in our primary stroke center to ensure that every patient receives the necessary care to stop or reverse the debilitating effects of stroke.”
Additionally, the hospital received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. This award is part of an initiative focused on providing optimal care to patients with Type 2 diabetes who are at an elevated risk for complications when hospitalized due to stroke.
