UNC Health Wayne Continues to be Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care.

UNC Health Wayne has once again been recognized for its exceptional stroke care, earning both the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award and The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Certification. This dual recognition underscores the hospital's commitment to providing the highest standard of care for stroke patients.

The Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award is given to hospitals that demonstrate adherence to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate and timely treatment. This is the second consecutive year that UNC Health Wayne has received this award, highlighting its continuous efforts to enhance patient outcomes and reduce disability.

In addition to this prestigious award, UNC Health Wayne has also earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Certification in August 2023. This certification is a symbol of quality that reflects the hospital’s commitment to meeting rigorous performance standards in stroke care.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States. It occurs when a blood vessel that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or bursts, leading to potential brain damage or death. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates, minimizing long-term disability, and enhancing recovery.

“UNC Health Wayne is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Jessie L. Tucker, III, President and CEO of UNC Health Wayne. “Our participation in programs like Get With The Guidelines and achieving certifications such as The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® are part of our dedication to excellence in healthcare.”

Heidi Malez, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Chief Nursing Officer at UNC Health Wayne, emphasized the importance of these recognitions: “Earning the Gold Plus award and Primary Stroke Certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our healthcare team. We are honored to receive these accolades, which reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for our stroke patients.”

The hospital’s stroke care team, supported by these national programs, focuses on improving patient outcomes through comprehensive treatment plans and patient education. This includes efforts to help patients manage their health and recovery at home, reducing the likelihood of readmissions and improving overall quality of life.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize UNC Health Wayne for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

About Get With The Guidelines^®

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.