Coast Plaza Hospital Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Stroke Treatment

Coast Plaza Hospital has received the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients.

Coast Plaza Hospital has met specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, including evaluation of the proper use of medications and other treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Coast Plaza Hospital also provides education to patients before discharge to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.

"Coast Plaza Hospital is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our ongoing commitment and dedication to helping patients have the best possible outcomes after a stroke," said Downapha Britton, chief nursing officer. "Get With The Guidelines-Stroke makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines in place on a daily basis to improve patient outcomes."

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Recognizing the first signs and symptoms and acting fast is critical to improving survival, successful treatment, and speeding recovery times.

"We are pleased to recognize Coast Plaza Hospital for their commitment to stroke 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.

Additionally, Coast Plaza Hospital received the Association's Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90% of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the "Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score."

Coast Plaza Hospital also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

Patients are cared for by highly qualified health professionals including Emergency Room Physicians with specialized training in Stroke Care, Board-Certified Vascular Neurologists and Neurocritical Care Physicians.

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About Coast Plaza Hospital

Coast Plaza Hospital is a 117-acute-bed hospital that has been serving Norwalk and the surrounding areas of Southeast Los Angeles County for over 55 years. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a licensed provider for Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, along with many HMOs, PPOs and managed care organizations. The hospital provides affordable, high-quality healthcare with consistency and compassion, and offers a wide range of services, including 24-hour Emergency Department services, complete intensive care, critical care and progressive care services. For more information visit www.coastplazahospital.com.

Source: Coast Plaza Hospital