American Heart Association recognizes high-quality stroke care

PASADENA, Calif. — The American Heart Association has presented all 15 Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Southern California with an award recognizing their commitment and ability to provide exceptional and effective care to stroke patients.

The following hospitals received the AHA’s prestigious 2021 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award: Baldwin Park, Downey, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Anaheim, Irvine, Panorama City, Fontana, Ontario, Riverside, Moreno Valley, South Bay, San Diego, Zion, and Woodland Hills medical centers.

“We’re honored by this recognition that exemplifies the commitment and dedication of the physicians at Kaiser Permanente, whose expertise and compassionate care ensure that stroke patients have a better chance of recovering from this serious medical ailment where every second counts,” said Ramin Davidoff, MD, executive medical director for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group.

Julie Miller-Phipps, president, Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Hawaii Health Plan and Hospitals, noted, “This award recognizes our employees and physicians for going the extra mile day in and day out to provide the highest quality care to our members and patients.”.

To qualify for this award, Kaiser Permanente hospitals had to meet specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period of time.

These measures include evaluation of the proper usage 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, stroke patients also needed to receive education on managing their health and get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve approximately 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.