Advanced Primary Stroke Center



The First Hospital in the Western United States to Earn Dual Gold Stroke Certifications from The Joint Commission
 
In response to the widespread community need for fast and effective stroke treatment, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center has a certified advanced primary stroke center. We believe that through education and awareness, we can reduce the risk of stroke and with prompt treatment and can improve outcomes for stroke survivors.
 
To further educate the community about signs and symptoms of stroke, Alvarado Hospital was the first Stroke Champion Sponsor in partnership with the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in 2010.
 
Alvarado Hospital continues to be a leader in stroke care in San Diego:
 
  • Alvarado Hospital was the first hospital in the western United States to earn two Gold stroke certifications from The Joint Commission. Alvarado has received certification as a Primary Stroke Center and as December 2009, Alvarado Hospital’s stroke rehabilitation program earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission.
  • Alvarado Hospital also is the first hospital in California to earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ for its stroke rehabilitation program, and is currently one of very few community hospitals in Southern California with this prestigious designation.
  • In May 2010, Alvarado Hospital became the first-ever Stroke Champion sponsor with the San Diego division of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
  • Alvarado Hospital is an American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) program Gold Performance Achievement Award winner for 2010.
 
The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Center and Gold Seal of Approval recognize centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services the hospital provides have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcome. In fact, according to the Joint Commission, Alvarado Hospital demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
 
The primary stroke designation is considered the best signal to our community that the quality care the hospital provides is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
 
American Heart Association's Gold Performance Achievement Award
 
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Associations Gold Performance Achievement Award recognizes Alvarado Hospital for implementing the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program. The award recognizes Alvarado Hospital's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment for at least 24 months, according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.
 
With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the GWTG-Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award addresses the important element of time in the emergency room. Alvarado Hospital has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.
 
To receive the Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award, Alvarado Hospital demonstrated 85% adherence in the key measures for 24 or more consecutive months. These include aggressive use of medications like tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol-reducing drugs, and smoking cessation.
 
 
Physician Referral and More Information
 
Alvarado’s Physician Referral Service can help you find a physician who meets your needs. To find a physician, simply click on the Physician Finder, call 800-ALVARADO (800-258-2723) or click here.