Memorial Health earns national honor for stroke care from American Heart Association

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Memorial Health University Medical Center has been recognized nationally for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care.

The hospital received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus achievement award, recognizing its dedication to providing timely, evidence-based treatment for stroke patients based on nationally recognized guidelines.

Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Health experts say rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving survival and reducing long-term disability.

“Memorial Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” Memorial Health CEO Brad Talbert said. “Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day.”

In addition to the Gold Plus recognition, Memorial Health also earned the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award for reducing the time between a patient’s arrival and treatment with clot-busting medication. The hospital also received the Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award for providing evidence-based care to stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes.

The American Heart Association also recognized Memorial Health for meeting scientific guidelines as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, highlighting its ability to rapidly diagnose and treat patients experiencing strokes.

According to the American Heart Association, hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines program have been associated with better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates, fewer readmissions and a greater likelihood that patients can return home after treatment.