Shenandoah Memorial Hospital Accredited as Chest Pain Center

Hospital Provides Necessary Care, Resources to Patients With Heart Attack Symptoms.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Valley Health Shenandoah Memorial Hospital (SMH) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. SMH was awarded Chest Pain Center accreditation in November following 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 must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that includes a rigorous onsite review and must meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria.

“Earning our ACC accreditation is a great accomplishment for the SMH team,” said Ebony Sloan, RN, the hospital’s Chest Pain Center Coordinator. SMH works closely with local EMS partners and Valley Health’s Heart & Vascular Center to facilitate fast and effective early treatment and provide coordinated care. “I can truly say that this accomplishment would not have been possible without the entire team coming together,” Sloan said. “Now, thanks to our training and adoption of strict protocols, we’re able to provide our patients with even better cardiac care.”

“Shenandoah Memorial Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Shenandoah County and surrounding communities with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Shenandoah Memorial Hospital with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

“I am extremely proud that SMH has achieved Chest Pain Center Accreditation,” said Tammy Gasper, FACHE, Vice President, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital and Southern Region Medical Staff Services & Clinical Program Development. “This is a true testament to our amazing team and the work they’ve done to refine our processes and enhance care for our patients in the community with heart attack symptoms.”