Lehigh Valley Hospital Network announces two of its campuses have received recognition for care.

LVH–Cedar Crest is recognized as one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals for 2022. This distinction ranks LVH–Cedar Crest among the top 350 maternity care hospitals in the U.S.

“This recognition from Newsweek is an honor held by each colleague on the maternity care team,” says Karen Vadyak, vice president, patient care services, women and children. “We are able to offer exceptional care to new mothers because we use evidence-based standards and simulation training, which we pair with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.”

LVH–Cedar Crest’s maternity care is team-based, and each colleague plays an integral part. Obstetricians, midwives and a highly skilled nursing staff ensure that new mothers and infants will have the tools they need to thrive before, during and after delivery.

“My colleagues in maternity care are dedicated, hardworking and compassionate,” says Kristin Friel, MD, Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “This recognition from Newsweek is a reflection of the quality of care our doctors, nurses and hospital staff offer to our new mothers and infants.”

Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is crucial to LVH–Cedar Crest’s award-winning maternity care, with the only Level IV NICU in the region.

Commitment to stroke patients

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono has received the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines - Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“LVH–Pocono is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” says LVH–Pocono President Cornelio Catena. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the Poconos can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize LVH–Pocono for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates - a win for health care systems, families and communities.”