Community Hospital again has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Chest Pain Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The certification recognizes healthcare organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for chest pain. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.
“Community Hospital has a reputation as a leader in cardiovascular care in Northwest Indiana,” Community Hospital CEO Randy Neiswonger said. “This recertification attests to our team’s commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients who experience chest pain.”
Chest pain patients at Community Hospital have immediate access to a cardiac catheterization lab, non-invasive diagnostic testing – such as cardiac ultrasound and nuclear imaging – and a specialized cardiac team who is available 24 hours a day. Staff members collaborate with emergency medical services to ensure patients receive immediate treatment to limit potential heart damage.
Community Hospital recently underwent a rigorous on-site visit in which a Joint Commission team reviewed and evaluated compliance with chest pain certification standards. The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers as well as patients.
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” said Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Community Hospital for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”
Mary Miller, director of Cardiology Service Line, is proud to work alongside the chest pain team.
“The chest pain team is an outstanding group of individuals who have worked extremely hard to help improve patient care and achieve chest pain recertification,” she said.
For information about the Chest Pain Centers at Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org/heart.
