Sonoma Valley Hospital recognized for quality stroke care

Sonoma Valley Hospital has received a national award from the American Heart Association for high-quality stroke care.

The award — called Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines® — recognizes hospitals that meet nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.

“This award is a testament to Sonoma Valley Hospital’s commitment to bringing Sonoma Valley the best care using the most current practices,” stated John Hennelly, CEO for Sonoma Valley Hospital.

The Guidelines program, Hennelly said, “makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge to work on a daily basis. The end goal is to ensure more people can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. 

Get With The Guidelines – Stroke puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide.

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients.

“This is truly a team exercise,” Hennelly said. “It often starts in the field as our EMT partners notify us of a patient they are bringing in, to our emergency department team waiting at the door, to imaging and lab running vital diagnostics, and the virtual UCSF stroke team, providing minute-by-minute support.”

Treatment then transitions to the in-patient care team and post-care with SVH rehabilitation therapists.

Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, said participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.

“It’s a win for health care systems, families and communities,” he said. “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Sonoma Valley Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke.”