Special to Iredell Free News
Iredell Memorial Hospital has been recognized nationally by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain.
Iredell Memorial Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in September based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Iredell Memorial Hospital has maintained chest pain accreditation for 12 years.
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, 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.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.
“Iredell Memorial Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Iredell County with excellent heart care,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Iredell Memorial Hospital with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center 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 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.
“The ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation demonstrates that we are committed to providing the best, evidenced-based emergency care to the patients we serve. It means we have enhanced coordination among all providers involved in the patient’s care and collaborate with key community partners, including Iredell County Emergency Medical Services. Through the collaborative work of our hospital and our community partners, ACC’s designation has distinguished our hospital as a leader in emergency care of patients with chest pain,” said Diane Galati, Stroke and Chest Pain Coordinator for Iredell Health System.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Iredell Memorial Hospital access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.
“Our patients can feel confident in our ability to provide lifesaving heart care,” said Galati.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org.