American Heart Association: DHMC Awarded for Excellence in Stroke Care - Health

Dartmouth Healths Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center ( DHMC ) recently received two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association , highlighting its dedication to providing top - quality care for stroke patients . DHMC was honored with the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to following nationally recognized guidelines for stroke treatment , ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced disability.

 Part of the brain can not get the blood and oxygen it needs , so brain cells die . Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival , minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

The Get With The Guidelines program , developed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association , helps hospitals nationwide improve patient care by ensuring that treatment aligns with the latest research and evidence - based guidelines . By promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines , hospitals can minimize the long - term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

 DHMC is dedicated to enhancing patient care by following the most up - to - date treatment guidelines , commented Timothy G. Lukovits , MD , medical director of the Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke Program at DHMC.

 Each year , program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients.

In addition to receiving the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus award , DHMC also earned the American Heart Association 's Target : Stroke Elite Honor Roll award , which recognizes hospitals that reduce the time between a patient 's arrival and treatment with thrombolytic therapy . This award showcases DHMC 's commitment to providing efficient and effective stroke care to its patients.

 Steven Messe , MD , volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group , praised DHMC for its dedication to caring for stroke patients.

 Participation in Get With The Guidelines has been shown to improve patient outcomes , reduce readmissions , and lower mortality rates , benefiting healthcare systems , families , and communities alike.

By receiving these prestigious awards , DHMC has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to providing high - quality care for stroke patients and helping more individuals in New Hampshire and Vermont lead longer , healthier lives . These accolades further solidify DHMC 's reputation as a leader in healthcare and stroke treatment.