Stroke Center at Winter Haven Hospital Wins National ‘Gold Award’ for Quality Improvement

October 23, 2008

WINTER HAVEN, FL – (October 14, 2008) – Winter Haven Hospital is pleased to announce that its nationally-accredited Stroke Center has received a Gold Award of Excellence from the American Stroke Association for successfully meeting the standards for an in-hospital quality improvement program.  The recognition makes Winter Haven Hospital one of only 53 hospitals in the nation to receive such an honor.

The ASA Gold Medal is given to hospitals that complete 24 or more months of the organization's Get with the Guidelines program, a standard of performance for patient care. A formal award ceremony will be held Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. in the hospital's auditorium.

In 2006, Winter Haven Hospital was certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accredited Healthcare Organizations. It is Polk County's first certified Stroke Center.

"Achieving Gold Award status is a remarkable success story that speaks to the dedication of our staff and the commitment of our Board of Trustees," said Lance Anastasio, president and CEO of Winter Haven Hospital. "Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States, but it is the No. 1 cause of long-term disability. We know that our Stroke Center is making a huge difference in the lives of Polk County residents."

About Winter Haven Hospital

Established in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital serves as the major medical center for east Polk and Highlands counties and the U.S. Highway 27 / Ridge Corridor. The 527-bed hospital is a division of Mid-Florida Medical Services, Inc. a locally owned and operated not-for-profit organization. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and has more than 300 board-certified physicians on its medical staff representing every major specialty. Winter Haven Hospital is affiliated with the University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands Healthcare. And with more than 2,500 employees, Winter Haven Hospital is the largest private employer in east Polk County. Winter Haven Hospital recently was recognized by Polk Works Workforce 2020 as one of the best places to work in Polk County for the third consecutive year.