Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland has received the Get with the Guidelines for Stroke Silver Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association.

The award recognizes the hospital’s successful commitment to ensure that each stroke patient receives the Association’s recommended treatment aimed at improving outcomes and reducing death and disabilities. The Get with the Guidelines three-pronged approach includes medication, rehabilitation therapies and healthy lifestyle education.

Evergreen earned a Bronze Performance Award in 2009. This year’s Silver Plus Award means the hospital has been following the AHA guidelines for at least 12 consecutive months.

“This reward is a testament to the effort of our nurses, staff and physicians who continue to provide superior evidence-based care at the bedside,” said Dr. David Likosky, a vascular neurologist who oversees Evergreen’s stroke program. “Being honored for giving our patients excellent care is the best recognition we can receive.”

If you suspect your loved one may have had a stroke, because of sudden confusion, slurred speech, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, change in vision or severe headache, call 9-1-1 immediately. The faster treatment begins, the better the chance for a positive outcome.

For more information about Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, visit www.evergreenhospital.org.