URMC Recognized for Outstanding Heart Failure, Stroke Programs

Greg Lott, R.N., talks with Dennis "Putt" Moore about the left ventricular assistive device he has to treat heart failure.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has once again honored Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester Medical Center for meeting its highest standards for heart failure and stroke care.

Strong Memorial is the only Rochester area hospital to be recognized in two categories and the only Rochester area hospital to receive any level of American Heart Association recognition for its heart failure care. URMC’s Highland Hospital received the Gold Plus Performance Award for its outstanding stroke care.

Strong Memorial excelled in the heart failure and stroke care program modules of the AHA/ASA Get With the Guidelines (GWTG) program – earning a Gold Performance Award for heart failure and a Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award for stroke care. Hospitals that have earned a Gold Performance Achievement Award have maintained this performance level for two or more consecutive years.

“As the region’s leader in patient care, research and training, we are committed to advancing care for people with heart problems,” said Charles J. Lowenstein, M.D., chief of the Division of Cardiology and director of the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute. “The Gold Award for heart failure care demonstrates our success in meeting the most up-to-date AHA/ASA guidelines and recommendations.”

Curtis G. Benesch, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor in the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery and director of the Strong Stroke Center, said, “This award reflects the ongoing commitment we have to providing the highest level of care possible for our patients who’ve suffered a stroke. We’ve assembled an outstanding group of nurses, therapists, and physicians dedicated to this common goal.”

The list of top honorees will be published in July in the “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report.