Erlanger Baroness and Erlanger East Hospitals have again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to exceptional stroke care. They have earned national recognition for their efforts. Both hospitals have received the prestigious Gold Plus Achievement Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) for their outstanding stroke care.
This accolade recognizes Erlanger’s dedication to treating patients to the core standard levels of care, as outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association® for two consecutive years or more.
Why Erlanger Received This Award
Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the AHA Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the significance of this achievement.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Erlanger Baroness Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” Dr. Messe stated. “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.”
At the heart of this success is the tireless work of Erlanger’s stroke teams. Under the leadership of Dr. Mounzer Kassab, Neuroscience Chairman/Medical Director, and Justin Gomes, Sr. Director of Erlanger Neurosciences, the team has consistently refined stroke protocols to ensure rapid intervention.
“Our stroke team has worked tirelessly to perfect our stroke protocol to ensure below national average wait times for door-to-intervention, understanding that time is brain during a stroke,” said Gomes. “We care deeply about our patients’ outcomes and quality of life post-stroke. The community must understand the importance of coming to a comprehensive stroke center. We are a one-stop shop and can care for any stroke. When time is of the essence, choosing the right center to get the right care at the right time.”
Additional Honors for Erlanger Stroke Care
Beyond the Gold Plus Achievement Award, Erlanger Baroness Hospital achieved additional honors that underscore its excellence in stroke care:
- Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite: Erlanger consistently meets and exceeds timely intravenous thrombolytic therapy standards. Achieving a time of less than 60 minutes in 85% of eligible patients and 45 minutes or less in 50% of patients. This focus on speed ensures better patient outcomes.
- Advanced Therapy Recognition: Erlanger excels in providing advanced stroke treatments. 50% of eligible patients receive door-to-needle and door-to-device interventions in 90 minutes or less. This is accomplished in 60 minutes or less for transfer patients, enhancing care quality and outcomes.
- Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Stroke: Erlanger’s stroke team has also been recognized for managing diabetic stroke patients. Achieving an impressive composite score of 80% or higher in the AHA’s Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative.
The combined efforts of Erlanger Baroness and Erlanger East Hospitals reflect our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, life-saving stroke care. These recognitions reaffirm our status as leaders in comprehensive stroke care and their ongoing dedication to enhancing the well-being of the communities they serve.
Every second counts when it comes to stroke care, and Erlanger’s stroke teams are proving that we are not only meeting but exceeding national benchmarks, ensuring patients receive the proper care at the right time.
To learn more about Erlanger’s Stroke Care Team, click HERE.
