Your Heart Is In Good Hands: Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) with its Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating cardiac cath lab patients. The ACC’s accreditation recognizes Haywood Regional’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who undergo diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.

“We would like to thank our physicians, front-line staff, quality team and our leadership in pursuing and achieving this accreditation,” said Dr. Michael Miller, an interventional cardiologist at HRMC. “As the community’s heart center, we are constantly challenging ourselves to continually improve our quality and our outcomes. Being home to an accredited cath lab is just another way that Haywood Regional demonstrates its commitment to our community’s heart health.”

According to the ACC, hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in treating patients who require cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before undergoing catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol, and time out procedures is fully coordinated; and have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cath recovery unit to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information.

“Haywood Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the community and surrounding area with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Haywood Regional with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI 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 cath lab patients. 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 improved patient outcomes.

Haywood Regional is also designated as an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the ACC. To learn more about Haywood Regional’s cardiology services or to take a heart health risk assessment, visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/cardiology.

About Haywood Regional Medical Center

Haywood Regional Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality care possible, along with the expertise and technology you expect at larger hospitals, all conveniently close to home. We are supported by Duke University Health System’s world-renowned leadership in clinical excellence and quality care and LifePoint Health’s extensive resources, knowledge, and experience in operating community hospitals. More information available at MyHaywoodRegional.com.

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 54,000 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.