Local chest pain center accredited

Local chest pain center accredited
Published by The Reporter
Posted: 08/15/2009

NorthBay Medical Center has become the first-ever accredited Chest Pain Center in Solano County.

The coveted three-year designation was awarded by the Society of Chest Pain Centers after a rigorous audit of emergency services and interviews with staff, as well as Solano County Emergency Medical Service workers.

There are only 17 California hospitals, and 500 worldwide, that have earned this special designation.

"Chest Pain designation is another major advancement in the treatment of cardiac disease here in Solano County," said NorthBay Healthcare President and CEO Gary Passama. "It's another example of our commitment to compassionate care, advanced medicine, close to home."

Pat Wentworth, director of emergency services for NorthBay, added, "I'm thrilled and most appreciative of everyone who served on the Chest Pain Center Committee who contributed to the process, the change, the program."

"The Emergency Department managers and staff, as well as the leadership of the Vacaville Fire Department, Fairfield Fire Department, Medic Ambulance and Solano County EMS Agency were directly involved in improving the ways we recognize and respond quickly to patients who may be experiencing a heart attack, in order to initiate the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible," said Wentworth.

Dr. Ron Chapman, Solano County's public health officer, lauded the team effort, noting the long partnership between Solano County EMS and NorthBay Healthcare.

"It's definitely something to celebrate. People in Solano County are going to benefit in a number of ways," said Chapman. "New services offered by NorthBay are going to save lives. It means people with heart disease are going to get critically needed services in a timely and professional manner. And that translates into lives being saved, which is fantastic."

Wentworth noted all improvements were also implemented in VacaValley Hospital's Emergency Department.

The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of heart patients.

To earn accreditation, NorthBay had to demonstrate expertise in a number of key areas including:

* Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system.

* Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly.

* Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms.

* Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures.

* Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training.

* Maintaining organizational structure and commitment.

* Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care.

* Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack.