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MemorialCare's Hospitals Recognized by AHA for Quality Care

MemorialCare’s Long Beach Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center have recently received national recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA), being awarded the prestigious Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. This accolade underscores both hospitals' unwavering commitment to adhering to evidence-based guidelines for stroke treatment, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and saving lives.

In addition to the Stroke Gold Plus award, the Long Beach Medical Center was also honored with the Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award. This dual recognition highlights the hospitals' dedication to enhancing care for patients with heart failure, resulting in fewer hospital readmissions and promoting a healthier living at home for those affected.

Dr. Eugene Kim, Chief Medical Officer at MemorialCare, expressed the organization’s ongoing commitment: "MemorialCare is dedicated to improving patient care through adherence to the latest treatment protocols set by the AHA, while consistently striving for improvement. Thanks to the AHA's Get With The Guidelines initiative, our teams are enabled to implement proven medical knowledge daily, aiding patients in their recovery and pursuit of healthier lives. Our mission remains focused on ensuring the best possible health outcomes for our communities."

The Get With The Guidelines program collaborates with hospitals nationwide, ensuring that patient care aligns with the latest research and best practices in healthcare. Specifically, the program aims to improve stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to treatment guidelines, thus minimizing the long-term effects of strokes and significantly reducing the risk of mortality.

Moreover, both hospitals achieved excellence in various categories, with Long Beach Medical Center receiving the Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy, Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and Target Heart Failure Honor Roll Optimal awards. Saddleback Medical Center also received accolades including the Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, which affirm their commitment to quality care in handling stroke and heart failure treatments.

Dr. Steven Messe, the volunteer chairperson of the AHA Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, praised the institutions, stating, "We are immensely pleased to acknowledge MemorialCare's Long Beach and Saddleback Medical Centers for their exceptional care provided to stroke patients. Participation in the Get With The Guidelines program has been correlated with better patient outcomes, lower readmission rates, and decreased mortality – marking significant progress for healthcare systems, families, and communities alike."

Both hospitals meet the rigorous standards for designation as Comprehensive Stroke Centers, ensuring a robust system is in place for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to their emergency department. Each year, hospitals must demonstrate their commitment to high-quality care and adherence to treatment guidelines to qualify for these distinguished awards.

Participation in the Get With The Guidelines initiative does not end with providing excellent clinical care; it also encompasses patient education and coaching to help individuals manage their health and recovery effectively upon returning home. This holistic approach not only promotes recovery but emphasizes the importance of staying informed about health management.

About MemorialCare

MemorialCare is a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system that operates a wide array of services across 225 care locations. This includes Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills and Long Beach Medical Center, among others. Recognized for its leadership in virtual healthcare since 2020, MemorialCare continues to pioneer innovative healthcare solutions that include outpatient services, imaging, surgery, urgent care, and physical therapy.

With numerous awards under its belt, MemorialCare has attained titles such as Nation's Best Health Systems, with distinctions from U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek in various clinical categories over the years. For more information, please visit memorialcare.org.

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines® is an integral quality improvement program by the AHA and American Stroke Association designed to enhance patient care using the latest evidence-based guidelines. Established with the mission of saving lives and facilitating faster recovery, it has positively impacted over 14 million patients since its inception in 2001. For further details, visit heart.org.