Willis Knighton Health Stroke Center at Willis Knighton Pierremont has received the Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The award recognizes the health organization’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Willis Knighton also was recognized with the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.

The stroke program received the awards by consistently meeting rigorous, evidence-based standards in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. By adhering to the latest clinical guidelines and ensuring appropriate use of medications and therapies, the program aims to enhance patient outcomes, reducing mortality and disability. Additionally, patients are provided with comprehensive health management education and scheduled follow-up care prior to discharge, supporting their continued well-being.

“We are honored to receive this award for the ninth consecutive year, which highlights Willis Knighton Health’s commitment to delivering exceptional stroke care,” said Brittney Anderson, RN, stroke coordinator at Willis Knighton Pierremont. “Our team continually strives to surpass national standards, ensuring the highest quality care for our patients.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in the United States. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in the loss of brain function. Early recognition and medical intervention are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get with the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get with the Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Willis Knighton’s first stroke unit opened at Willis Knighton Pierremont in 2016, and in 2017 it received The Joint Commission’s (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification indicates it is a facility that gives highly reliable care for stroke patients. The protocols developed by the Willis Knighton Pierremont stroke team have been replicated for all Willis Knighton emergency departments.

The second stroke unit at Willis Knighton Bossier opened in February 2019. It received its TJC certification in December 2023. The six-bed unit is the second in the system that consolidates stroke patients into an area where a team with specialized training provides care.

Willis Knighton Health Stroke Center at Willis Knighton Pierremont has received the Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The award recognizes the health organization’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Willis Knighton also was recognized with the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.

The stroke program received the awards by consistently meeting rigorous, evidence-based standards in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. By adhering to the latest clinical guidelines and ensuring appropriate use of medications and therapies, the program aims to enhance patient outcomes, reducing mortality and disability. Additionally, patients are provided with comprehensive health management education and scheduled follow-up care prior to discharge, supporting their continued well-being.

“We are honored to receive this award for the ninth consecutive year, which highlights Willis Knighton Health’s commitment to delivering exceptional stroke care,” said Brittney Anderson, RN, stroke coordinator at Willis Knighton Pierremont. “Our team continually strives to surpass national standards, ensuring the highest quality care for our patients.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in the United States. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in the loss of brain function. Early recognition and medical intervention are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get with the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get with the Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Willis Knighton’s first stroke unit opened at Willis Knighton Pierremont in 2016, and in 2017 it received The Joint Commission’s (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification indicates it is a facility that gives highly reliable care for stroke patients. The protocols developed by the Willis Knighton Pierremont stroke team have been replicated for all Willis Knighton emergency departments.

The second stroke unit at Willis Knighton Bossier opened in February 2019. It received its TJC certification in December 2023. The six-bed unit is the second in the system that consolidates stroke patients into an area where a team with specialized training provides care.