CRMH Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation

CRMH has received Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology.

Congratulations to Sylvia Atkins, RN, BSN, Unit Director, for heading this successful initiative. Under her leadership, the interdisciplinary CPC Committee collaborated to support numerous efforts promoting improved patient outcomes. The committee includes representatives from Emergency Services, Cardiovascular Institute, Quest, Imaging, Community Health and Outreach, HR Education and Organizational Development, and community partners such as our local EMS agencies and the Compress and Shock Foundation.

Hospitals that achieve this accreditation undergo a rigorous evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. In addition, clinical processes are evaluated to assure that processes are streamlined, guidelines and standards are implemented, and best practices are adopted.

The survey was conducted virtually. Our surveyor described the CRMH team as “rock stars” and recommended that our excellent Regional Heart Alert Protocol flow diagram be added to the list of accreditation reference tools that are available for others striving to achieve accreditation. 

The successful survey was a true team effort between providers, staff and leaders, and serves as recognition for our collective efforts to continually improve the care we provide for the patients who put their trust in us.