South Nassau Earns Prestigious Award

In recognition of its compliance with best-practice clinical guidelines in cardiac care, South Nassau Communities Hospital has been awarded the Gold Performance Achievement Award in Coronary Artery Disease from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's "Get With The Guidelines" program. 

It's the second consecutive year that the hospital, which is located on the border of Oceanside and Rockville Centre, has earned the award.

Ruth Ragusa, registered nurse and vice president for organizational effectiveness at South Nassau said, "Earning a Gold Performance Award again is testimony that we understand that excellence is not a one time act, it is something that we do repeatedly. We will not relent in our goal to perform at 100 percent, 100 percent of the time."

Upon meeting specific criteria, hospitals are recognized for performance achievement 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 guidelines and recommendations.

Research has shown that 80,000 lives can be saved annually if the program's recommended guidelines for coronary artery disease are implemented nationwide. 

"While this honor is a reflection of South Nassau's consistency in achieving high standards in the treatment of coronary artery disease, what it means to the residents and communities we serve is that in the event you, a loved one or friend need expert, advanced, potentially life-saving cardiac care, you need look no further than your South Nassau," said Jason Freeman, director of interventional cardiology.