The American College of Cardiology has recognized Union General Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Union General Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation for the second time in October 2018 based on a rigorous 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, 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.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.
“Union General Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to provide the Tri-State area with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC
Accreditation Services is proud to award Union General Hospital with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center 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 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 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.
“We are so proud of the staff and physicians at Union General Hospital for the dedication and commitment that has been shown in acquiring our Chest Pain Accreditation again,” said Union General Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, Julia Barnett.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals 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.
About Union General Hospital
Union General Hospital opened as a small outpatient clinic in 1959, but since has evolved into one of the most modern and progressive hospitals in the state of Georgia. Union General is a newly renovated, 45-bed, nonprofit healthcare facility located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Recognized for their outstanding efforts, Union General has been recognized by the Women’s Choice Award for being one of “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience,” four years in a row. Union General Hospital also received a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Less than 10% of hospitals nationwide received five stars. The average rating in the U.S. is only three stars. In fact, there were only six hospitals in the whole state of Georgia that received this designation. The hospital’s commitment to providing the most sophisticated and compassionate care is making them the first choice provider of comprehensive medical care in their region. For more information about Union General Hospital, visit their website at www.uniongeneralhospital.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 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 acc.org. For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1-877-271-4176.