News

The George Washington University Hospital (GW Hospital) has received the 2022 American Heart Association® Get with the Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD 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.

GW Hospital also received the American Heart Association Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. This 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.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition from the American Heart Association for our stroke and diabetes care,” says Kimberly Russo, MBA, MS, Chief Executive Officer at GW Hospital. “This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing care by meeting best practice standards so our patients can have the best outcomes possible. I want to congratulate all our team members on this accomplishment and thank them for their dedication to excellence.”

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.

“As an academic medical center, we are committed to being on the forefront of excellence in healthcare,” says Henry Kaminski, MD, Chair of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at GW Hospital. “During a stroke, every minute matters and that is why it is vital to have a multidisciplinary, efficient team and treatment process in place in order to best care for our patients. By meeting the standards outlined for this award, we are providing the highest quality care to our patients.”

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.

In addition to these awards, GW Hospital is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the highest level possible, and was recognized as High Performing in stroke care by U.S. News and World Report for 2021-2022.