Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1482626
Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center | 11 P rovidence St. Mary Medical Center is honored to be ranked No. 3 among California hospitals for stroke care by Healthgrades, the leading resource connecting consumers, physicians and health systems. Additionally, Healthgrades recently recognized Providence St. Mary as one of the best hospitals in the United States for stroke care for the second year in a row. We are humbled by these distinctions, which we believe reflect the compassionate, leading-edge care that is provided here. For the state-ranking analysis, Healthgrades evaluated clinical performance for nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide, focusing on eight key specialties across a mix of chronic, urgent and planned clinical areas. Providence St. Mary Chief Executive Randall Castillo says the new Healthgrades ranking and award are testaments to the hospital's staff and physicians, whose dedication to high-quality health care in the High Desert remains unwavering despite ongoing challenges associated with COVID-19. "Our caregivers and doctors—and all health care professionals in the High Desert and beyond—have been navigating a nightmare for nearly three years thanks to this pandemic," Castillo says. "Through stress, fatigue, burnout and tears, they have proven their resolve to a watching world. These recognitions signifify their commitment, no matter the circumstance, to the health and well-being of our community. We are honored that their work continues to stand among the best in California and the country." HIGH DESERT'S ONLY PRIMARY STROKE CENTER Hospitals recognized by Healthgrades are providing patients with measurably superior clinical outcomes.The awards not only share accurate and comprehensive information with our community, but they also empower our patients to make informed decisions about their health care. "Being recognized among the top three in California for stroke care is a great achievement that speaks to Providence St. Mary 's ongoing commitment to high-quality care," says Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer (CMO) and head of data science at Healthgrades. "Hospitals receiving a top state ranking have much to be proud of, as their deep medical expertise has built a track record of delivering positive outcomes for their patients." Including the 2022 America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care Award, Providence St. Mary has received eight Specialty Clinical Quality Awards from Healthgrades since 2020. Our hospital also earned Healthgrades' America's 250 Best Hospitals Award in 2021 and 2020 after placing in the top 5% in the nation for clinical excellence. Providence St. Mary has operated as the only Primary Stroke Center in the High Desert since 2017. We became a Stroke Receiving Center—the only one locally—the following year. As a Primary Stroke Center accredited by the Joint Commission and certificated by the American Heart Association, Providence St. Mary has an acute stroke team and a neurologist accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for immediate response when a stroke is suspected. Minutes can significantly impact the outcome of a patient who has suffered a stroke, which makes readily available staff and technology crucial to delivering care, according to Providence St. Mary CMO Charlie Abraham, MD. "By offering a robust stroke-care experience, we can provide faster care with expert guidance, knowledge and framework that can lead to a more optimal recovery for the patient," Dr. Abraham says. "Ranking third in California for stroke care means that High Desert residents can rest easily knowing they live in proximity to some of the most qualified caregivers and doctors working today." Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how the company measures hospital quality. A Commitment to Excellence Providence St. Mary Medical Center ranks third in California for stroke care.