WILMINGTON — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Clinton Memorial Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Clinton Memorial Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in November based on years of top level performance and a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting. These signs and symptoms if recognized early can be treated before heart damage occurs via Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).
Percutaneous coronary intervention is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon or stent to relieve symptoms of heart disease and reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. PCI is performed at Clinton Memorial Hospital on a routine, urgent and emergent basis continually saving lives.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. CMH was able to obtain this accreditation due to the dedication of its staff and its ability to provide emergent and non-emergent cardiac care. Only hospitals that have a cardiac catheterization suite can obtain this level of accreditation. “This achievement is a great way to recognize the commitment and dedication of staff and administration to improving the quality of life in our community and surrounding areas.” Michelle Umstead Manager of the Interventional Suite and Cardiology Outpatient Service
“Clinton Memorial Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Clinton County with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Clinton Memorial Hospital with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of evidence-based guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
“CMH is very excited to be awarded Chest Pain Accreditation because it confirms that our care teams have the right processes in place to care for patients who come to us with chest pain. Minutes matter in heart care and every second we save can have an impact on the future quality of a heart attack patient’s life,” said Lance Beus, CEO, Clinton Memorial Hospital.
“What makes this most exciting is that through this rigorous process of accreditation, Clinton Memorial Hospital is further meeting its mission of ‘Making our community healthier’. This is an award for all the citizens of Clinton County and surrounding areas. They are getting nationally recognized healthcare right here. Our county, your hospital, could not achieve this level of care without the dedication of our local 911 dispatchers and EMS providers who are the first links in the chain-of-survival for patients experiencing a heart attack.” Matt Gunderman, Asst. Administrator, Clinton Memorial Hospital.
