The American College of Cardiology has once again recognized Southern Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. This week, Southern Regional received confirmation of being awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI based on 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 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. PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention) is also known as coronary angioplasty and is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
“Southern Regional Medical Center has been a pioneer in providing quality cardiac care for the south side of the Atlanta region,” stated Vikram Mandadi, MD, Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer, Southern Regional Medical Center. “Continuing to serve our community as an accredited Chest Pain Center, is a recognition the hospital’s ongoing committed to providing optimal care for heart attack patients and reflects the dedication and hard work of our team to delivering high quality, evidence-based care for heart attack patients.”
Hospitals that earn ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, 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. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.
“Receiving re-accreditation of our Chest Pain Center is a testament to our comprehensive approach and commitment to providing high-quality care for our heart attack patients,” said Charlotte W. Dupré, Southern Regional Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are honored that our Chest Pain Center team has been recognized for their dedication and delivery of excellent heart care, and know that the true benefactors are the patients we serve.”
“Southern Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the southern crescent of the Atlanta region and beyond with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Southern Regional Medical Center 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 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 offers U.S. and international hospitals like Southern Regional Medical Center 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.
Southern Regional Medical Center has been providing health and medical care to its community for 50 years. Southern Regional is owned by Prime Healthcare, an award-winning health system operating 46 hospitals in 14 states. Southern Regional is one of fifteen not-for-profit members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation.