New York, NY-UNS: NYC Health + Hospitals announced all 11 of its hospitals were again recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to quality care in heart disease and stroke. In addition, for the first time, five of the health care system’s hospitals received the American Heart Association’s new Commitment to Quality Award, given to only 158 hospitals nationwide. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines. The American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines awards recognize hospitals nationwide that adhere to science-based practices and provide the highest quality care. NYC Health + Hospitals earned these recognitions by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure and stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, and receive other care transition interventions.
“This national recognition of all hospitals across the health system by the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines program highlights the highest quality, evidence-based care our teams deliver every day,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Quality Officer Hillary Jalon, MS. “These accolades, including five of our hospitals achieving the newly established Commitment to Quality Award, are a reflection of unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and the vital role our safety-net healthcare system plays in providing the best cardiovascular and stroke care across the communities we serve.”
“These awards show NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, NYC Health + Hospitals can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
