North Oaks Earns National Recognition for Enhancing Severe Heart Attack Care

North Oaks Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® Bronze Plus Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to enhance the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. The award recognizes the hospital’s efforts to ensure patients receive efficient and coordinated care that ultimately leads to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer returns to the hospital.

Each year, more than 250,000 people nationwide experience an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI),which is the most serious type of heart attack. STEMIs are caused by a total blockage of blood flow to the heart and require timely treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

“We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” affirms Erica Williams, vice president of the vascular service line for North Oaks Health System. “Our cardiovascular team consistently pairs their proven knowledge and expertise with Mission: Lifeline® best practices to give STEMI patients the best possible chance of survival.”

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks – starting from when 9-1-1 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.

“We are pleased to recognize North Oaks Medical Center for their commitment to cardiovascular care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., who is national chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Quality Oversight Committee, as well as executive vice chair of Neurology and director of acute stroke services for Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the American Heart Association’s quality improvement programs often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

North Oaks Medical Center’s achievement will be recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in the “Best Hospitals” edition of US News and World Report, during the International Stroke Conference & Scientific Sessions and at www.heart.org/quality.

North Oaks applied for award recognition by demonstrating to the American Heart Association how the health system has committed to improving quality care for STEMI patients.

To learn more about cardiovascular services offered by North Oaks Health System, visit www.northoaks.org/hearthealth.