Temecula Valley Hospital Receives American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation
Katie Baca, Cardiac Program Manager, and Dr. Andrew Ho, Medical Director, Cardiac Cath Lab and Chief of Staff Elect at Temecula Valley Hospital
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Temecula Valley Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The hospital was recently awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation based on a rigorous on-site 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.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It 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. Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
“Temecula Valley Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing the region with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, Chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Temecula Valley Hospital with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation 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, completing a rigorous on-site 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.
“I am so very proud of our entire multidisciplinary team that worked so hard to attain this top designation from the ACC,” said Darlene Wetton, CEO, Temecula Valley Hospital. “With Temecula Valley Hospital being a Cardiovascular Center, we are passionate about providing the best cardiac care in the region and raising awareness about heart disease and prevention in our community.”
The ACC offers the U.S. and international hospitals like Temecula Valley 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.