Independence Health System Honored Nationally for Excellence in Heart and Stroke Care: What This Means for Patients

BUTLER, Pa. – Independence Health System has received national recognition for its outstanding stroke care. Hospitals within the system, including Butler Memorial, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland, have all been awarded the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke Gold Plus award. This honor showcases their commitment to providing timely, evidence-based treatment for stroke patients, helping to save lives and reduce disabilities.

To earn the Gold Plus award, hospitals must maintain an adherence rate of 85% or higher to essential treatment measures for at least two years. Frick Hospital achieved the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award for having a compliance rate of 75% or more for critical measures that expedite care after a patient arrives. Both Butler Memorial and Westmoreland hospitals earned the elite recognition for exceeding the 85% adherence threshold.

Strokes remain a leading health concern in the United States, ranking as the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked or bursts, leading to cell death. Timely action is vital for improving recovery outcomes. Independence Health System treats over 1,000 stroke patients each year, focusing on swift detection and treatment.

Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP, chief medical officer, emphasized their dedication: “We are committed to enhancing patient outcomes by following the latest guidelines. This recognition reflects our teams’ hard work to provide timely and effective care.”

The Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke program was created to help hospitals implement proven treatment protocols. When hospitals adhere to these guidelines, the results include better patient outcomes and lower rates of complications and mortality.

Steven Messe, M.D., from the American Heart Association, praised the hospitals: “Improved patient outcomes and lower readmission rates are a win for health care systems, families, and communities.”

Moreover, Butler Memorial and Westmoreland Hospital received the Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award for their focused care on patients with diabetes, who are at higher risk for severe health issues. Westmoreland Hospital also got the Mission: Lifeline® Regional award for its exceptional care strategies for heart attack patients, emphasizing a coordinated approach from emergency services to hospital treatment.

Independence Health System boasts a comprehensive cardiovascular program, ranging from preventive care by cardiologists to advanced surgical options. Recognized by esteemed organizations like U.S. News & World Report and the American Heart Association, this program reflects commitment to clinical excellence, shorter recovery times, and reduced risks of complications. In these challenging times, the focus on effective patient care remains paramount for these hospitals.

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