Hunterdon Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Hunterdon Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Hunterdon Medical Center was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI in May based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab.

Percutaneous coronary intervention 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.

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.

“Hunterdon Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Hunterdon and surrounding counties 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 Hunterdon Medical Center with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI 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.

“As a community hospital, we have worked hard to achieve this accreditation. Our commitment to providing excellent cardiac care to our patients is at the forefront of everything we do.  Our patients should feel rest assured that they do not have to travel far to receive care that has been recognized for providing the highest quality and best clinical practices," stated William Schafranek, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist, Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates and Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory as well as the Director of the Primary PCI program at Hunterdon Medical Center. 

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Hunterdon 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 the cath lab. 

The Norman and Denise Guilloud Cardiovascular Center at Hunterdon Medical Center provides a wide range of heart and vascular services—from testing and treatment to specialized patient care and cardiac rehabilitation. The 4,000-square-foot center features cutting-edge cardiac catheterization labs, a cardiac critical care unit, private patient rooms and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation facilities.  To learn more visit, hunterdonhealth.org.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.