All 12 Sentara hospitals nationally recognized for excellent stroke care

All 12 Sentara hospitals received American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s joint ‘Get With the Guidelines’ (GWTG) Awards for providing excellent stroke care, ultimately leading to more lives saved and shorter recovery times. GTWG recognizes hospitals committed to delivering the most appropriate treatment for stroke patients and meet certain criteria, including the time it takes to give "clot buster" medication to achieve the best outcomes.

"If you are suffering a stroke, every second counts to save brain tissue and improve outcomes," says Alexander Grunsfeld, MD, medical director for Sentara Neurosciences.  "The goal is to begin treatment within 60 minutes of arrival to the hospital. Our honor roll hospitals meet that standard more than 85% of the time. We’re proud of our stroke performance because it can mean better outcomes for our patients."

According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when normal blood flow to the brain is interrupted, the blood vessel ruptures, or bleeding occurs in the brain. Within minutes, brain cells start dying. Fast diagnosis and treatment of a stroke is critical in saving as much brain function as possible.

Here's a list of all 12 Sentara hospitals and the achievement level awarded:

• Sentara Albemarle Medical Center - Gold Plus Award - Elizabeth City, N.C.
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital - Gold Plus Award - Hampton, Va.
• Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital - Silver Plus Award - South Boston, Va.
• Sentara Leigh Hospital - Gold Plus Award - Norfolk, Va.
• Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital - Gold Plus Award - Charlottesville, Va.
• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital - Gold Plus Award - Norfolk, Va.
• Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center - Gold Plus Award - Woodbridge, Va.
• Sentara Obici Hospital - Silver Plus Award - Suffolk, Va.
• Sentara Princess Anne Hospital - Gold Plus Award - Virginia Beach, Va.
• Sentara RMH Medical Center - Gold Plus Award - Harrisonburg, Va.
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital- Gold Plus Award - Virginia Beach, Va.
• Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center - Silver Plus Award - Williamsburg, Va.

One way Sentara meets this high standard is with TeleStroke technology - a remote, video-based system that allows immediate access to neurologists. The remote neurologists work with a specially trained team of onsite nurses, physicians, and surgeons, to deliver rapid, life-saving care.

"A stroke can be a life-changing medical event," adds Dr. Grunsfeld. "Early intervention is paramount to survive and thrive and Sentara hospitals are prepared around the clock every day."

BE FAST with Stroke

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, BE FAST.  

Observe their Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and Time. Time is key. Time is brain. Call 911.