Hospital provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms.
The American College of Cardiology has recognized CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta once again for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta was awarded Chest Pain Center (CPC) Accreditation in November 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 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
“CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta has demonstrated its commitment to providing residents of Cass County and the surrounding area with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D.
Levy, M.D., FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital-Atlanta with Chest Pain Center Accreditation for the second time.”
According to Heather Biddy, BSN, RN, VA-BC, RN Program Manager – Trauma, Stroke/Chest Pain, for CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta, 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.
“A CPC hospital has achieved a higher level of expertise in managing patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack,” said Micah Johnson, MSN, BSN, RN, Administrator/Chief Nursing Officer, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta. “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 who earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.”
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta 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.
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About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org. For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1877-271-4176.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta, located along U.S. Highway 77 and South William Street in Atlanta, Texas, provides general and medical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department patients. The 43-bed hospital is accredited with The Joint Commission (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval™ – demonstrating compliance with TJC standards for health care quality and safety. In addition, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta is designated a Support Stroke Level III Facility, offering teleneurology and tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) for treatment of strokes. Along with inpatient care, the hospital provides emergency services staffed by physicians and specially trained registered nurses – several of whom have earned advanced certifications in strokes, emergency, and trauma care. The hospital operates as a Level IV Trauma Center, holds Chest Pain Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and offers pediatric emergency telemedicine.
Other services include: in-hospital pharmacy, radiology/imaging for inpatient and outpatient care, CAP-accredited clinical laboratory, outpatient rehabilitation, wound care, sleep disorders center, outpatient cardiac-pulmonary rehabilitation, comprehensive diabetes education, and a health and fitness center.