American Heart Association recognizes Riverside for commitment to quality stroke and diabetes care

Riverside Medical Center has again received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association's Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Honor Roll status. The award recognizes Riverside's commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. On top of this, Riverside received the Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for incorporating the most up-to-date evidence-based treatments to improve care and outcomes.

While the risk of stroke goes up significantly in individuals over 55, it can occur in anyone. Individuals with diabetes are one and half times more likely to experience a stroke than those without diabetes. Those with diabetes should work with their healthcare provider to form healthy habits. By working with evidence-based guidelines, Riverside aims to improve the health of patients before a stroke occurring.

"The care our patients receive at Riverside is our number one priority. The fact our dedicated staff continues to be honored and recognized for their hard work is truly something we can all be proud of," said Riverside Healthcare President & CEO Phil Kambic. "In instances when seconds count, like stroke, we are committed to supporting better outcomes for our patients."

Riverside utilizes tools and resources to help track and measure success by meeting evidence-based clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes. Some of these quality measures include:

• evaluating the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments
• speeding recovery time and reducing death and disability for stroke patients
• providing patient education before discharge and scheduling follow-up visits and other care transitions.

Individuals at a high risk of stroke include: