BMH Recognized For Quality Heart/Stroke Care in U.S. News & World Report

July 21, 2008 - (BUTLER, PA) - The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are recognizing Butler Memorial Hospital for its performance in treating cardiac and stroke patients using the associations' Get with The Guidelines (GWTG) program. BMH joins other hospitals being featured in an advertisement in the July 21st "America's Best Hospitals" issue of the national magazine US News & World Report.

GWTG is a hospital-based quality-improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients following the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations. The program provides three modules that address coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. Currently, more than 1,450 hospitals use one or more GWTG modules.

Upon meeting each module's criteria, hospitals are recognized if at least 85 percent of their cardiac or stroke patients are treated and discharged according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's recommendations.

The American Heart Association's advertisement recognizes BMH's commitment and success in performance achievement.

"The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its top Get With the Guidelines participants," says Gregg C. Fonarow, M.D., national chairman, Get With The Guidelines steering committee and director, Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center. "The program makes it easier for hospitals like BMH to provide appropriate evidence-based care and ultimately improve the quality of life and help reduce the number of deaths in these heart and stroke patients."

"We are proud that the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have chosen the "America's Best Hospitals" issue of US News & World Report to recognize BMH for our achievements in their Get with The Guidelines program," said Ken DeFurio, President & CEO of Butler Health System. "Get With The Guidelines gives our professionals the tools and reports they need to effectively treat our coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke patients."