Baystate Wing Recognized for Stroke Care

PALMER — Baystate Wing Hospital has earned national recognition by the American Heart Association with the Gold Plus/Target Stroke Honor Roll/Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Get with the Guidelines award.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, ultimately saving more lives and reducing disability.

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–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. The program 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 research- and evidence-based guidelines.  

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 our team at Baystate Wing for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Seth R. Gemme, MD, chief of emergency medicine at the hospital. “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 our communities.”