LLUMC-Murrieta recognized for excellence in stroke care

MURRIETA – Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta was presented with the 2019 Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus and the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Quality Achievement Award from the associations May 31, during public educational event.

It marks the third year the medical center has been recognized by the by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for quality stroke care.

LLUMC-Murrieta earned the 2019 Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus 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 with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, schedule a follow-up visit and have other needed care transition interventions.

"We are pleased to recognize Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta for their commitment to stroke care," Dr. Lee H. Schwamm, national chairperson of the quality oversight committee and executive vice chair of neurology and director of acute stroke services at Massachusetts General Hospital, said. "Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates."

LLUMC-Murrieta received the association's Target: Stroke Elite award for its quality of operational procedures. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient's arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator at LLUMC-Murrieta, said, "It is truly a blessing to see the American Stroke Association value the incredible work and outcomes our community is receiving with this award. It is an honor to receive this award recognizing the outstanding outcomes provided to our patients by our amazing staff and clinicians. I am blessed to see the compassion and attention our clinicians provide daily."

A stroke occurs in the United States every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, killing 140,000 people annually. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

The hospital's educational event set out to educate the community about the signs and symptoms of stroke, awareness of the different types and provide prevention tips. Attendees visited educational booths to learn more about chest pain and TAVR, Genentech, cardiac rehabilitation and orthopedics. Some booths offered interactive testing, including a body mass index screening, blood pressure screening and grip strength test.

"Our quest is to educate and inform the community on what stroke is and what we can do for that need to the best of our ability," Rene Tovar, executive director of specialty services at LLUMC-Murrieta, said. "Educational events like this help spread awareness about stroke, and as a primary center, we are a place where patients can receive the highest quality of care for stroke."

Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta is recognized as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission. If you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911. To learn more about treatment options, support groups and services for offered at Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta, visit http://www.murrieta.lluh.org or call (951) 290-4000.

Loma Linda University Medical Center brought its renowned commitment for premier health services to a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Murrieta. LLUMC-Murrieta serves Southern California's southwest Riverside County; including the communities of Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Canyon Lake, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore. LLUMC-Murrieta provides the highest quality medical care with a mission-focused team of medical professionals. LLUMC-Murrieta is part of Loma Linda University Health, which includes Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, LLUMC – East Campus, Behavioral Medicine Center, Surgical Hospital and physician clinics as well as the university's eight professional schools. LLUMC is widely respected as a health care leader and is known for its pioneering and cutting-edge work in such areas as organ transplants, proton treatment for cancers, cardiac care, physical rehabilitation, acute pediatric and adult care, as well as treatments for chemical dependence and other behavioral disorders. With 1,048 beds, Loma Linda University Health offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality health care to 1.5 million outpatients and 40,000 inpatients each year. A Seventh-day Adventist organization, LLUH is a faith-based health system with a mission "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ."

Submitted by Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta.