Vaughan Regional Medical Center – Chest Pain Center Accreditation

Vaughan Regional Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with Chest Pain Center Accreditation from American College of Cardiology

Selma-area hospital provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

SELMA, AL (August , 2022) − The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Vaughan Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Vaughan Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in August 2022 based on 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 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.

“This accreditation validates the expertise, commitment and compassion of our physicians, nurses, cath lab staff and our entire team while providing critical care to our patients suffering from chest pain or heart attack that may require emergency cardiac procedures,” said David McCormack, CEO of Vaughan Regional. “We are proud of our work to achieve the ACC accreditation and honored to continue providing outstanding care and outcomes for our patients and the Selma community.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center 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.

“Vaughan Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Selma community 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 Vaughan Regional with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

Vaughan Regional Medical Center is a 175-bed, Joint Commission-accredited facility that provides an array of healthcare services, including cardiology, diagnostic imaging, digestive health, emergency room, orthopedic services, rehabilitation, sleep disorders, surgery, women’s services and the Vaughan Pain Management Center.

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Vaughan Regional 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.

About Vaughan Regional Medical Center

Vaughan Regional Medical Center is a sole community provider hospital located in historic Selma, Alabama. The 175-bed Joint Commission-accredited facility employs more than 600 people, and its medical staff consists of more than 75 physicians serving 22 medical specialties. Learn more about Vaughan Regional at vaughanregional.com.

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.

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