St. Petersburg Hospital earns national recognition for providing high-quality stroke care

St. Petersburg— HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital has been recognized by The American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke GoldPlus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. 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. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

“I am incredibly pleased that the American Heart Association recognized HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital for our commitment to those who need stroke care,” said St. Petersburg Hospital emergency medicine physician Dr. Nicholas Boraggina. “Hospitals like ours that follow the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols will often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates. That is a win for us, good news for the communities we serve and the kind of care our patients and families deserve.”

“HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital remains committed to high-quality stroke care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Ron Rasmussen, chief medical officer, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.