HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. This recognition is given to hospitals that follow nationally recognized, research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients.
Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, stated, “HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in Bay County can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Stroke remains a major health issue in the United States, ranking as the fifth leading cause of death and a significant contributor to disability. Strokes occur when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell damage. Timely detection and treatment are critical for improving outcomes and reducing long-term effects.
In addition to the Gold Plus award, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital received two other recognitions from the American Heart Association: the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. The first acknowledges hospitals that meet criteria for reducing time between patient arrival and administration of thrombolytic therapy. The second highlights efforts to provide up-to-date care for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes.
The Get With The Guidelines program aims to align hospital practices with evidence-based recommendations from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. By following these protocols, hospitals may help minimize lasting impacts from strokes and lower mortality rates.
Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, said, “We are incredibly pleased to recognize HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke. 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.”
Hospitals qualify for these awards each year by showing their commitment to quality care through adherence to treatment standards and patient education about managing health after discharge.
