Southern New Hampshire Health Recognized for Commitment to Excellence in Stroke Care

By Eileen Barrett, BSN, RN, Quality Management Specialist & Stroke Program Coordinator 

At Southern New Hampshire Health (SNHH), providing high-quality care for stroke patients is at the heart of what we do. I’m proud to share that our hospital has been nationally recognized with the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Bronze quality achievement award from the American Heart Association. This award acknowledges our dedication to ensuring that every stroke patient receives care aligned with the latest research and nationally recognized guidelines. 

Understanding Stroke 

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies the brain with oxygen and nutrients is blocked or bursts. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the oxygen it needs, and brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to survival, reducing disability, and promoting a faster recovery. 

The Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Program 

The Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke program provides hospitals with the tools to consistently follow evidence-based care guidelines, which improve patient outcomes. By participating, we ensure that every patient at Southern New Hampshire Health benefits from the most current, research-driven treatments. Following these guidelines helps minimize the long-term effects of stroke and, in many cases, can save lives. 

Our Commitment to Patient Care & Recovery 

As the Stroke Program Coordinator at Southern New Hampshire Health, I see firsthand how adhering to these guidelines improves patient recovery. Our approach to stroke care goes beyond treating a medical emergency. It is about guiding patients through every step of their recovery journey. The Get With The Guidelines® program helps us put the latest research-based treatments into practice every day, enabling our patients the best path to recovery. 

As a DNV Primary Stroke Center certified hospital, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center provides patients across the entire spectrum of stroke treatment, from the first diagnosis to rehabilitation and education that supports long-term health. Our partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) brings world-class expertise right to our community. Through advanced TeleStroke technology, our emergency physicians can instantly connect with MGH stroke specialists, share critical test results, and determine the best treatment plan within minutes. 

This seamless collaboration means our patients do not have to choose between expert care and being close to home. They can trust that they are receiving nationally recognized stroke treatment from a dedicated local team of experts that puts their recovery first. 

Educating Our Patients and Families 

Each year, hospitals are recognized for their commitment to quality care and patient education. At Southern New Hampshire Health, we take this responsibility seriously. We educate our patients and their families, helping them manage their health and recovery at home, because care doesn’t stop when a patient leaves our doors. 

A Team Dedicated to Excellence 

Receiving this award, along with our DNV certification reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in stroke care. I am proud of our team’s dedication, and I’m honored to be part of a program that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. 

At Southern New Hampshire Health, our participation in Get With The Guidelines® reflects our organization’s mission to provide exceptional, high-quality care that improves the health and wellbeing of our patients and community. Every achievement in stroke care is a step toward ensuring that those we serve receive the best possible treatment, guided by compassion, expertise, and a commitment to lasting recovery.