Hospital receives “Gold Plus”, “Elite Honor Roll” and
“Diabetes Honor Roll” awards from American Heart Association
MISSION, July 2023 – Mission Regional Medical Center has been recognized for its care of patients with stroke and diabetes by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
In achieving the recognition, Mission Regional once again received the “Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award”, as well as a “Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll” award from the American Heart Association.
The awards recognize Mission Regional’s commitment to ensuring that patients with “brain attacks” receive the most appropriate treatment — according to nationally-recognized, research-based guidelines, based on the latest scientific evidence.
To receive the Gold Plus award, hospitals such as Mission Regional must be recognized for two or more consecutive years of 85% or higher adherence on all applicable achievement measures from the American Heart Association – as well as 75% or higher adherence on additional select quality measures in treating stroke patients.
In addition, Mission Regional Medical Center received a “Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™” award. To receive this award, hospitals such as Mission Regional must be able to demonstrate at least 90% compliance for 12 consecutive months for an “Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score” measure from the American Heart Association.
Kane Dawson, Chief Executive Officer for Mission Regional Medical Center, said maintaining the highest national standards is something the hospital strives for “day in and day out.”
“This commitment represents an inherent dedication by our medical teams to deliver safe, consistent, quality care to our community — today and for years to come,” Mr. Dawson added.
“We are pleased to recognize Mission Regional Medical Center for its commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said John Warner, M.D., FAHA, past president of the American Heart Association and CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Hospitals that follow the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Cesar Guerra, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Mission Regional Medical Center, said the hospital’s multiple awards are a testament to the work of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing “the highest-quality healthcare to residents of the Rio Grande Valley – every patient, every time.”
Strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
A stroke occurs when an artery that carries oxygen 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 — and that part of the brain starts to die.
Aurora Magaly Rocha, MSN, RN, Trauma & Stroke Coordinator at Mission Regional Medical Center, said it’s critical for Valley residents to recognize the warning signs of stroke — and to call 911 and act quickly if they see any stroke symptoms in a loved one or another person.
In the Valley, many people are at risk for stroke because of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
For more information on award-winning medical care in the Mission / western Hidalgo County area, please consult your physician and contact Mission Regional Medical Center at 956-323-9000 or visit https://missionrmc.org/services/emergency/.
Additional background information – stroke
Please be aware of the following warning signs of stroke — and act quickly if you see any of these symptoms in a loved one or another person:
“B” – BALANCE: Is the person suddenly having trouble with walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination?
“E” – EYES: Does the person have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
“F” – FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
“A” – ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
“S” – SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
“T” – TERRIBLE HEADACHE: Is the person suffering from a sudden severe headache with no known cause?
“T” – TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Also note the time that symptoms of stroke first started; that will be important information to give to the medical professionals who treat the stroke victim.