Kaiser San Rafael Wins Stroke Care Award

 In the recent US News & World Report Best Hospitals Issue, the American Heart Association salutes hospitals nationwide that have earned top achievement awards according to the Aassociation's "Get With The Guidelines" evidence-based performance standards for stroke prevention.

Kaiser Permanente San Rafael and Santa Rosa are among the hospitals recognized as Gold Plus Achievement Award recipients. To receive the gold plus distinction, the Kaiser Permanente Primary Stroke Centers at these medical centers met or exceeded performance achievement and quality measure criteria set by the American Heart/American Stroke Association for the award.

"The awards are a reflection of Kaiser Permanente's approach to stroke care throughout Northern California, where all medical centers follow accepted national models of rapid diagnosis and treatment, including brain and vascular imaging and use of clot-dissolving medications when timely and appropriate," said Judy Coffey, senior vice-president and area manager for the Kaiser Permanente Marin Sonoma Service Area and past chair of the American Heart Association North Bay Chapter.

"The American Heart Association's Gold Plus Award demonstrates Kaiser Permanente's commitment to stroke care for its members and patients," Coffey said. "Additionally, both the San Rafael and Santa Rosa medical centers are certified Primary Stroke Centers by the Joint Commission."

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.  On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds.

The American Heart Association listing can be viewed at:
 http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@private/@hcm/@gwtg/documents/downloadable/ucm_311762.pdf