Great Plains Health
North Platte, Neb. – Great Plains Health has once again been honored with the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition demonstrates Great Plains Health's continued commitment to delivering advanced stroke care to patients, following the latest research-based treatment guidelines.
Stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in the United States. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a clot blocking a blood vessel or by a vessel rupturing. This interruption of blood and oxygen supply to a part of the brain results in the death of brain cells. Swift identification and treatment of stroke are crucial for enhancing survival rates, reducing long-term impairments, and speeding up recovery processes.
The Get With The Guidelines program harnesses the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to support hospitals across the nation. This initiative ensures that patient care aligns with the most current, evidence-based guidelines. Specifically, the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke program is designed to enhance in-hospital stroke care by promoting adherence to these guidelines. By doing so, it aims to minimize the long-term effects of stroke and potentially prevent fatalities.
Ivan Mitchell, Great Plains Health chief executive officer, stated, "At Great Plains Health, we are dedicated to improving patient care. This award reflects our team's tireless efforts to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our community, ensuring that more people in Greater Nebraska can lead longer, healthier lives."
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Great Plains Health for its 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.”