Glenwood provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

Glenwood Regional Medical Center, West Monroe, LA— The American College of Cardiology has recognized Glenwood Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Glenwood was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in October 2022 based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.  Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, 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.

“We are pleased to receive ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation which recognizes our comprehensive, innovative and high-quality care delivered to chest pain patients at Glenwood Regional Medical Center”, said Jeremy Tinnerello, hospital president.

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Glenwood Regional Medical Center 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.

“Thank you to our Chest Pain Center team for their dedicated focus, extra hours, teamwork, and collaboration to achieve this outstanding recognition.  As part of our accreditation, Glenwood will offer ongoing Early Heart Attack Care and Hands-Only CPR education to the community in collaboration with EMS.  The hard work that goes into this program gives medical staff the resources to improve mortality rates by providing excellent cardiovascular care”, said Hunter D. Hale, RN Chest Pain/Stroke Coordinator.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI 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.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI 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 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. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.

“Glenwood Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing northeast Louisiana 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 Glenwood Regional Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

About Steward Health Care System
Nearly a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability.   As the country’s largest physician-led, tax paying, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

About Glenwood Regional Medical Center
Glenwood Regional Medical Center is a 278-bed, state-of-the-art hospital located in West Monroe, Louisiana. Glenwood remains committed to providing its patients and their physicians with access to the most advanced medical breakthroughs and innovations in heart and vascular care.  Our comprehensive healthcare services include emergency care, heart care, advanced surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation services, and care for a broad range of medical conditions. Equipped with the most advanced medical technology and staffed by a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals, Glenwood is committed to providing high-quality care in a friendly hospital environment.

Steward is among the nation’s largest and most successful accountable care organizations (ACO), with more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals who care for 12.3 million patients a year through a closely integrated network of hospitals, multispecialty medical groups, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and behavioral health centers.  Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates 39 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah.

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 54,000 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