Evanston Regional Hospital Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation
The American College of Cardiology has recognized Evanston Regional Hospital for its demonstrated experience and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Evanston Regional 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.
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.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.
“Evanston Regional Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Southwest Wyoming with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Evanston Regional 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 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.
“Earning this Chest Pain Accreditation is a testament to our commitment to go above and beyond for our community to offer quality healthcare close to home. Minutes matter when having a heart attack, so going to the nearest emergency department is critical. We want our community and patients to know they can trust the care at Evanston Regional Hospital,” says Cheri Willard, CEO of Evanston Regional Hospital. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team, and all their hard work, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
“As a former ER nurse, I can attest to the fact that sometimes heart attacks are obvious, and sometimes they are subtle,” says Angie Foster, Chief Nursing Officer. “Proper training for nurses, physicians and first responders leads to heightened awareness to act quickly if a heart attack is suspected. It is so rewarding to see patients back in our community after having a heart attack, knowing that our ER team made a difference to that patient and family. Our patients are neighbors, friends, and individuals who make Uinta County and beyond home. That is why we go above and beyond to earn Chest Pain Accreditation. We want to make sure we are prepared as best we can be.”