Karl Bremer Hospital in Cape Town has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the gold status in the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Angels Awards for 2023. This recognition makes it the first hospital in the province to receive such an honor for its remarkable contributions to stroke care.
The Importance of Hypertension and Stroke Care
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant health risk worldwide leading to various complications such as stroke and heart disease. Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer,” as most patients remain unaware of their blood pressure patterns or even their diagnosis. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years suffer from hypertension. Alarmingly, nearly 46% of those affected are unaware of their condition.
The Angels Initiative
The Angels Initiative is an international network of stroke centers and hospitals that focuses on enhancing the quality of care for stroke patients. The participation of Karl Bremer Hospital in the Angels Initiative aligns with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness’s endeavors to enhance patient outcomes.
Karl Bremer Hospital’s Gold Status
Karl Bremer Hospital’s gold status signifies its commitment to consistently providing valuable data to facilitate research and identify opportunities to improve patient care. The hospital’s collaborative efforts with the Angels Initiative have received immense praise and recognition from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
Empowering Hospital Staff
Dr. De Vries Basson, Head of Internal Medicine at Karl Bremer Hospital, highlighted the significance of the Angels Initiative in improving stroke care and empowering the hospital’s staff. Renathe van der Merwe, the senior coordinator for Angels Initiative in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, praised the hospital’s contributions toward enhancing stroke care and encouraged other hospitals to participate and record their stroke data.
Understanding the Signs of Stroke
Recognizing the signs of a stroke can save lives and improve overall health. The acronym FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) serves as an essential reminder to act quickly in case of a stroke. By acting swiftly, patients can significantly improve their outcomes following a stroke.
The recognition of Karl Bremer Hospital by the WSO Angels Awards is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality care for stroke patients. As awareness about hypertension and its potential consequences continues to grow, it is crucial for hospitals to participate in initiatives like the Angels Initiative to further enhance stroke care and improve patient outcomes.
