Two Memorial Health hospitals have received national recognition for high-quality stroke care.
The American Heart Association recognized both Decatur Memorial Hospital and Springfield Memorial Hospital with the Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus award. The award is presented annually to hospitals that have proven their ability to comply with the AHA’s research-based quality measures and get life-saving treatment to patients quickly.
“These honors prove that our stroke teams are equipped to provide the fastest and safest stroke care available,” said Jennifer Rebbe, director of neurosciences and the SMH Stroke Program. “We stay up to date with the latest treatments and research so we can bring the highest level of care to central Illinois.”
DMH was named to the AHA’s Stroke Honor Elite honor roll, while SMH was named to the Stroke Honor Roll for Advanced Therapy. These honors recognize the hospitals’ ability to deliver stroke care quickly and open blocked blood vessels in the brain.
“With stroke, we always say that ‘time equals brain,’” said Jennifer Swartz, clinical coordinator of the DMH Stroke Program. “The faster we can treat patients, the better their long-term outlook. Our stroke teams are highly trained and available around the clock.”
The AHA also named both hospitals to the Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, recognizing their ability to provide specialized care to hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk of stroke.
Both hospitals are also recognized for excellence in stroke care by The Joint Commission, the nonprofit organization that accredits healthcare organizations in the United States. SMH is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, offering the highest level of specialized treatment for the most complex cases of stroke. DMH is a Primary Stroke Center, with a dedicated stroke team and access to advanced brain imaging.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital are all designated as Acute Stroke-Ready hospitals by the Illinois Department of Public Health.