NCH earns national recognition for efforts to improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular treatment

The American Heart Association presents multiple Achievement Awards for implementation of quality care for patients

Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) has received five American Heart Association Achievement Awards for implementing quality improvement measures that ensure cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients receive efficient and coordinated care, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, improved quality of life and fewer returns to the hospital.

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have experienced some form of cardiovascular disease – including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. For patients with conditions that are severe enough to be transported or admitted to a hospital, time is critical.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs help reduce barriers to prompt treatment for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. As a participant in Get With The Guidelines programs, NCH applied for the award recognitions by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care for patients.

“NCH is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to helping our patients have the best possible chance of survival and recovery after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events,” said NCH’s Alan B. Loren, M.D., PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “The Get With The Guidelines programs help put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis to improve outcomes for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients.”

This year, NCH received the following Achievement Awards:
GWTG Stroke Award (AHA) Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
GWTG Stroke Award (AHA) Gold Plus
GWTG Stroke Award (AHA) Target Stroke Elite Honor Roll
GWTG Heart Failure Award (AHA) Bronze, Target: HF Honor Roll Award
GWTG Heart Failure Award (AHA) Silver Plus, Target: HF Honor Roll Award

“We are pleased to recognize NCH for their commitment to cardiovascular care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the American Heart Association’s quality improvement programs often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”