Wooster Community recognized for quality cardiac care

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Wooster Community Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. WCH was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in July, based on 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 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 competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation, diagnosis and treatment all the way through to post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.

“Wooster Community Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Wayne and surrounding counties with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Wooster Community Hospital with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multifaceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care and developing an action plan, an 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. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff who support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“WCH is proud to continue bringing exceptional cardiac care to our community, allowing people to get the care they need, close to home,” said Shelly Huff, vice president of patient services.

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Wooster Community 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.