By Howard Koplowitz
Long Island Jewish Medical Center received an award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award — the organization’s highest distinction for stroke care.
The hospital said it was recognized “for its commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients in accordance with the latest evidence-based guidelines.
LIJ received the award because it achieved an 85 percent or higher adherence to all stroke performance indicators in the last two years and 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get with the Guidelines-Stroke quality indicators.
LIJ said it was graded on aggressive use of medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator, a clot-busing drug and other therapies; prevention of deep vein thrombosis and other hospital-related medical conditions; cholesterol-reducing drugs; and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.
“We are proud to receive the prestigious Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for stroke care and there is no doubt that this type of program translates to delivering better patient care and improves outcomes,” said Dr. Richard Libman, chief of vascular neurology at LIJ and chairman of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System’s stroke task force. “Our greatest reward is seeing our patients’ lives improve, thanks to the unremitting dedication and efforts of the staff members of our stroke team.”
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious long-term disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
“LIJ is committed to being one of the best hospitals in the country by continuing to provide the highest level of care that has been clinically proven to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols, from the moment patients enter the emergency room department, during their hospital stay and through discharge,” Libman said. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. While a stroke can be devastating, the good news is that stroke can be prevented through appropriate medical treatment, education and a healthy lifestyle.”
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
