Norman Regional receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, Resuscitation Accreditation

Norman Regional Provides Necessary Care, Resources to Patients With Heart Attack Symptoms

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Norman Regional Health System for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Norman Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

More than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) 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 earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24 hours a day every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“Norman Regional has demonstrated its commitment to providing Norman, Moore and the surrounding areas with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chairman of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Norman Regional with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care and 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 stringent criteria, and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“I am excited to announce that Norman Regional Hospital has obtained the most recent version of Chest Pain Accreditation with PCI and Resuscitation from the American College of Cardiology. Obtaining Chest Pain Accreditation is a very meaningful achievement to our health system and our community. It demonstrates our commitment to providing quality care to our patients,” said Sara McMillan, accreditation and quality coordinator for NRHS’s cardiovascular service line.