Hackensack Meridian Health Recognized for Excellence with ACC Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation

Accreditation is based on rigorous onsite evaluation of their medical center cardiac teams’ ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab

The American College of Cardiology has recognized the Hackensack Meridian Health health care network for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care. Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of their medical center cardiac teams’ ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab.

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.

“Hackensack Meridian Health has demonstrated its commitment to providing New Jersey 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 HMH’s medical centers with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation.”

Accredited HMH medical centers, include;

• Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ
• JFK University Medical Center in Edison, NJ
• Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ
• Ocean University Medical Center in Brick, NJ
• Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, NJ
• Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, NJ

Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab 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 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.

“I’m proud of all our cardiac cath lab teams for achieving this important accreditation, showcasing their exemplary care,” said Elizabeth A. Maiorana, MBA, MSN, R.N., vice president, Cardiovascular Care Transformation Services, Hackensack Meridian Health. “One in three adults live with some form of heart disease, the leading cause of death and disability in our nation. With this in mind, our cardiovascular specialists have dedicated themselves to providing every patient who arrives at our facilities with the best, highest-quality health care.”

For information about HMH’s cardiovascular services, visit www.HMHHasHeart.com. To schedule a CT Calcium Scoring scan or AngioScreen testing, which provide early detection of heart disease risk, or for a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.

The ACC offers U.S. and international health care networks like HMH 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 the cath lab.