Inova Alexandria Hospital Receives National Award for Stroke Treatment

Achievement Recognizes Specialized Care for Stroke Patients

Alexandria, VA  – (June 15, 2009) — The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have awarded Inova Alexandria Hospital a  Silver Award for stroke treatment. The AHA’s “Get with the Guidelines” (GWTG) designation indicates that stroke assessment and services at the hospital provide patients with the best chance of survival.

Inova Alexandria Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital are the only hospitals in the Northern Virginia region to be recognized with this achievement.

The GWTG stroke award is a Web-based program created by AHA and ASA to improve stroke care for hospitals around the country. The program helps to align initial stroke treatment with the most up-to-date scientific findings in this area. The overall goal of the program is to save lives and improve recovery.

“Inova Alexandria Hospital is proud to receive the Silver Award for quality stroke treatment from two well-respected national organizations,” said Christine Candio, CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, clinical staff and other support teams make it possible for us to continually be recognized for providing outstanding care.”

In 2003, the hospital became the first in the Washington, D.C., area to open a dedicated stroke unit.

Inova Alexandria Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital also have been recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for improving treatment and outcomes for stroke patients in the state. In addition, Inova Alexandria Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital have been recognized as Primary Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 16,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.