Methodist Hospital Receives Awards for Outstanding Cardiac and Stroke Care

OMAHA — Methodist Hospital was recently recognized for its quality stroke and cardiac care, earning high distinction among a number of prestigious hospitals nationwide. Not only was Methodist Hospital recognized with the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award, but it also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Methodist Hospital earned the Mission: Lifeline^® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment through emergency procedures to reestablish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients coming into the hospital directly or by transfer from another facility.

“We are truly dedicated to improving patient care in that critical time following a heart attack,” said Bud Erickson, Methodist Hospital’s cardiovascular and critical care service line executive. “The Mission: Lifeline program helps us do that by ensuring standards of care that are second to none. We are humbled to be recognized for the level of commitment we strive for every day at this hospital. And I’m so proud of our cardiac team.”

The Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, including the 911 call, EMS transport, hospital treatment and discharge. The initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care by following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

Methodist earned the Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines. The goal is to speed recovery while reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should receive education on managing their health. They also should receive assistance with getting a follow-up visit scheduled or other care transitions.

“We are honored to be recognized for the quality of care our stroke patients receive,” said Pam Stout, Methodist Hospital’s stroke program coordinator. “The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative helps us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines. This is extremely important when it comes to improving patient outcomes.”

Additionally, Methodist Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.

Methodist Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.