Portsmouth, NH. (Jan. 14, 2019) - Portsmouth Regional Hospital recently received recognition from The American College of Cardiology for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Portsmouth Regional Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation in late 2018 based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff's ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
"Portsmouth Regional Hospital's cardiovascular providers and staff have demonstrated their continued commitment to providing the Seacoast with excellent heart care," said Dean Carucci, CEO of Portsmouth Regional Hospital. "We are so honored to be receiving this recognition during the 20th anniversary of our open heart program."
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
As part of the accreditation process, Portsmouth Regional Hospital took part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involved: 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 included streamlining processes, implementing 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 stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
"ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Portsmouth Regional Hospital with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation," stated Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.
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.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
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About Portsmouth Regional Hospital… Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a 209-bed acute care hospital located in Portsmouth, NH. Portsmouth Regional Hospital serves the Seacoast region's residents in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts and also is one of the area's largest employers. Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the only ACS Verified Level II Trauma Center in the State of New Hampshire, the Seacoast's only comprehensive heart and vascular program, and its only 24/7 neurosurgical and stroke clot retrieval programs. For more information about Portsmouth's services and physicians, visit our home page.
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 the American College of Cardiology site.
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For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit ACC Accreditation Services, or call toll-free 1-877-271-4176.