June 9, 2007

The Honorable William Frist presented The Physician Laureate Award to The Women’s Heart Program at The George Washington University Hospital, a team of women cardiologists including: Sue Bennett, MD; Judith Anne Hsia, MD; Jannet Lewis, MD and Cynthia Tracy, MD. The award was presented at the Larry King Cardiac Foundation annual gala “An Evening with Larry King and Friends” on Saturday, June 9, 2007.   

The Larry King Cardiac Foundation was established in 1988 to provide funding for life-saving cardiac procedures for individuals who, due to limited means and lack of insurance, would otherwise be unable to receive treatment. The Foundation works with hospitals throughout the nation to ensure that such patients receive the medical attention they require.

May 15, 2007

GW received designation as a Level One Trauma Center by the District of Columbia Department of Health. The hospital was commended by the Department of Health for its “continued commitment to provide high-quality trauma care to all District of Columbia residents and visitors.” As a Level One Trauma Center, hospitals must meet strict criteria to address the unique and urgent needs of trauma patients. Some of these criteria include: the availability of a complete surgical team at all times with individuals who are dedicated only to the operating room, a minimum level of trauma admissions and in-house anesthesia and laboratory services available 24 hours a day.

April 6, 2007

The Joint Commission has certified GW Hospital as a Primary Stroke Center. The Joint Commission awards certification to stroke centers that comply with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care and follow recommendations published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s guidelines for stroke care. The GW Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center offers a rapid response Brain Attack Team to evaluate and treat all stroke emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is critical as many stroke treatments must be administered within a few hours of the onset of a stroke to be effective.

September 7, 2007

The George Washington University Hospital has been designated a UnitedHealth Premium cardiac specialty center, reflecting national recognition of the cardiac care it provides. GW Hospital is one of only two hospitals in the District of Columbia to receive this designation.

The UnitedHealth Premium designation program for cardiac care identifies hospitals and specialists nationwide that are leaders in providing cardiac care. The program considers criteria such as quality processes, adherence to evidence-based approaches, compliance with nationally recognized guidelines, capabilities to handle cardiac illness and treatment through a continuum of stages.

To receive this honor, the hospital met United Healthcare's extensive evidence and consensus-based quality and efficiency criteria. This designation signals that GW Hospital provides high-quality treatment to cardiac patients and that the hospital exceeds nationally recognized standards of care.

United Healthcare is the largest business unit of parent UnitedHealth Group, Inc., a Fortune 100 company. It designs and operates organized health systems with commercial, Medicare and Medicaid products.

December 7, 2007

GW Hospital recently received the 2007 Netpresenter International Communications Award for best practice in internal communication. The CEO of Netpresenter annually recognizes a customer that has made exceptional efforts to improve communications within its organization. This award highlights the efforts of the entire Information Technology and Communications Team.

January 25, 2007

Susan K. Bennett, MD, clinical director of the Women's Heart Program at The George Washington University Cardiovascular Center, has been honored with Women's Day magazine's Red Dress Award. The award recognizes her contributions to the fight against heart disease in women. Heart disease claims the lives of more than 349,000 American women each year, but many women do not realize that it is the most serious threat to their health.

Dr. Bennett has worked to increase women's awareness of heart disease through her participation in The Heart Truth's campaign, launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. She is a founding member of the new Association of Women's Heart Programs, which advocates for the highest quality of cardiovascular care for women.

The George Washington University Women's Heart Program is designed for women who think they may be at risk for heart disease as well as those who have already been diagnosed with heart disease. At the center, women can be screened for heart disease as well as receive the complete cardiac care they need. To make an appointment, call (202) 715-5400.

January 5, 2007

The GW Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Unit received three-year accreditation in both Adult Inpatient Rehab and Stroke Specialty Programs from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The letter of accreditation states: “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence.”