CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Heart Attack Center Certification. The certification, which was awarded during Heart Month, recognizes the hospital’s demonstrated commitment to a high standard of service and framework to consistently improve patient outcomes for heart attack patients. CHI St. Vincent is one of only two hospitals in Arkansas and 30 nationally to receive this recognition.

“This certification recognizes the work of our entire team to drive better outcomes for heart attack patients and our commitment to ensuring they receive the highest standard of care possible when they come through our doors,” said CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Dr. Douglas Ross. “Because someone can be at risk for heart disease without experiencing any clear symptoms, many begin their treatment in the Emergency Room. As we work hard to care for them, we’re also working with our communities to learn to detect early signs of heart disease so we can begin treatment even sooner.”

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review as part of the certification process. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Primary Heart Attack Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for cardiac patients.”

As the state’s largest and most diverse network of heart specialists, CHI St. Vincent provides latest treatments and technology for all forms of heart and vascular disease, including a recent $2-million expansion of the hospital’s Cath Lab. The renovation project included state of the art equipment, hybrid interventional catheterization lab resources, 50% increased capacity to serve patients and upgraded hemodynamic systems. The expanded resources offer more tools for CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute cardiologists and heart surgeons in Hot Springs to provide exceptional, compassionate care for patients across Southwest Arkansas.