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JERSEY SHORE -- Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital received the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines -- Stroke quality achievement award. This honor recognizes 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.
To qualify for the award, Geisinger Jersey Shore reached an aggressive goal of treating patients to core standard levels of care as outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for two consecutive calendar years (24 months) or more. "Plus" is an additional level of recognition noting expanded efforts to provide quality care through added evidence-based therapies. The hospital also demonstrated compliance to an additional level of heart failure quality during the 24-month or greater period.
"We're honored to be recognized once again by the American Heart Association for our commitment to making sure our patients receive the highest-quality stroke care," said Jason Schauer, MD, chief medical officer for Geisinger's north-central region. "Every person deserves high-quality lifesaving treatment for stroke -- so that's what Geisinger emergency medicine providers give them."
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.
"Every second counts when it comes to stroke care," said Anthony Noto, MD, Geisinger neurologist. "Our stroke team is making better health easier by providing world-class care for all patients close to home."
Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital is Geisinger's only stroke center in the northcentral region, serving patients in Lycoming and Clinton counties and surrounding areas. The American Heart Association's designation of the hospital as a Primary Stroke Center in 2021 signifies that it provides the level of care needed for long-term successful outcomes for stroke patients.
Geisinger Jersey Shore is also a critical access hospital, a designation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services given to eligible rural hospitals that improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities.