Spectrum Health Lakeland Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Stroke Treatment
Jul 8, 2022
(ST. JOSEPH) For the ninth consecutive year, Spectrum Health Lakeland has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
These accolades recognize Spectrum Health Lakeland for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes pose a higher risk for complications when hospitalized due to stroke. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and speeding recovery times.
“Identifying the symptoms of a stroke are crucial to a person’s outcome; call 9-1-1 immediately so the individual can begin receiving life-saving care as quickly as possible,” said Robert Ward, III, DO, D.FACN, medical director of the Stroke Program at Spectrum Health Lakeland. “Our team is fast-acting and has put proven knowledge and guidelines to work, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our community can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Spectrum Health Lakeland also provides education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.
“We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to improving outcomes for stroke patients,” said Natalie Baggio, BSN, RN, MBA, senior vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing executive at Spectrum Health Lakeland. “Our clinical teams are persistently working to provide the highest quality care, see fewer readmissions, and help lower mortality rates. Spectrum Health Lakeland hospitals follow consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.”
In addition, Spectrum Health Lakeland received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award for diabetic care, which 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.
For more information about identifying the signs and symptoms of a stroke, or education on how you can lower your risks of a stroke, visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/stroke