HomePress RoomThree Aspirus Hospitals Nationally Recognized for Stroke Care

Three Aspirus Hospitals Nationally Recognized for Stroke Care

  • Published: 7/25/2022

Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH), Aspirus Medford Hospital (AMH) and Aspirus Langlade Hospital (ALH) all received one of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® award.

AWH received the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and AMH and ALH received the Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award.

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.

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 evidence- and research-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.

“Aspirus is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” Lisa Ebert, Aspirus System Stroke Coordinator. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our coverage areas can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

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 these Aspirus hospitals for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “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.”