Springfield Memorial Hospital and Decatur Memorial Hospital, part of the Memorial Health hospital group, have been awarded the prestigious Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines - Stroke quality achievement award by the American Heart Association (AHA). This accolade highlights the hospitals' commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care that aligns with AHA guidelines.
The significance of prompt stroke treatment cannot be overstated, according to Jennifer Rebbe, Director of Neurosciences at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Springfield Memorial Hospital, one of only ten comprehensive stroke centers in Illinois, has been designated by The Joint Commission, showcasing its ability to provide round-the-clock care for complex stroke cases. Decatur Memorial Hospital holds the designation of a primary stroke center. These designations reflect the collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary teams comprising various specialists in stroke treatment and rehabilitation.
Jennifer Swartz, Clinical Coordinator overseeing stroke care at Decatur Memorial Hospital, emphasized the crucial role of teamwork in stroke management. The stroke teams consist of professionals from diverse fields such as neurointerventional radiology, neurology, neuropsychology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and therapy specialists.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain with oxygen and nutrients is either blocked or ruptures, leading to the death of brain cells. Early detection and treatment are key in enhancing survival rates, minimizing disability, and expediting recovery.