Onslow Memo­r­i­al Hos­pi­tal is nation­al­ly rec­og­nized for its com­mit­ment to pro­vid­ing high-qual­i­ty stroke care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care.

JACKSONVILLE, NC— Onslow Memorial Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® - StrokeGold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot 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.

“Our goal is always to apply evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions for our patients," said Dr. Josephine Malfitano, DNP, MBA, RN, FNP-C, NE-BC, CPHQ, Associate Vice President. "These awards are one more visible confirmation that we are meeting the high standards set forth by the American Heart Association. They serve as validation that we are effectively integrating the standards in support of excellent in quality and care. . It is also a testament to the quality of our healthcare providers and the passionate commitment the staff provides to our patients."

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

"This recognition is a testament of the continued and sustained work to provide ongoing excellent care for our Stroke patients,” Dr. Rose Morgan, DNP, MS, RN, CENP Chief Nursing Officer/Senior Vice President Patient Care Services. "This is a team effort that crosses multiple disciplines and supports seamless work to ensure the standards set forth by the American Heart Association, in alignment with current evidenced base best practices, are hardwired in the day to day care."

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 following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Onslow Memorial Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “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.”

Onslow Memorial Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Onslow Memorial Hospital also met specific scientific guidelines as a Joint Commission Advanced Primary Stroke Hospital, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients presenting to the emergency department.