Georgetown University Hospital has won another coveted distinction that marks it as a national leader in patient care, this time reflecting the exemplary level of care stroke patients receive at the hospital. The hospital recently earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. This designation means Georgetown demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
The Joint Commission Program was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association. Georgetown’s accreditation is the result of two and a half years of hard work by a diverse team of doctors, nurses and dedicated staff. Chelsea Kidwell, MD, directs the stroke program and led the effort.
“The journey to this certification involved many people across multiple units and disciplines,” noted Megan McHugh, MS, RN, CCRN, CNRN, Stroke Coordinator at Georgetown.
“Georgetown University Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke,” said Dr. Kidwell. “This certification is another example of the excellent approach and coordinated teamwork we have here.”
The Stroke Center team includes (from left) Greg Gromada; Joy Arellano, RN; Edward Healton, MD; Chelsea Kidwell, MD; Richard Burgess, MD; Doris Tavares, RN;
Megan McHugh, RN; and Sylvia Belizario, RN.
Stroke Risks and Myths
Georgetown offers a free educational DVD explaining stroke risks and dispelling myths. Georgetown’s work in this area is important since every 45 seconds, someone in the US will experience a stroke, and every 3.1 minutes someone dies of a stroke. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability.
The Gold Seal of Approval underscores the fact that Georgetown University Hospital makes significant differences in patient outcomes with revolutionary approaches for stroke treatment. Using state-of-the-art technology, the stroke team at Georgetown performs the most advanced minimally invasive procedures available.
For a free stroke kit and/or DVD about stroke, the causes, types and warning signs, as well as the populations at risk for stroke and the latest available resources for stroke victims, call GeorgetownMD at 202.342.2400, or toll-free at 866.745.2633.
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