CHI Memorial has received the 2015 Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
Each year in the United States, approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment.
To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.
As part of an elite group of hospitals recognized by this award, CHI Memorial has implemented a higher standard of STEMI care by ensuring that STEMI patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment.
“CHI Memorial is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and we understand how important it is to treat patients appropriately but also quickly – because every second matters,” said Diona Brown, vice president, cardiovascular services at CHI Memorial. “We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts and achievements in cardiac care, and I’m even more proud of our team members who make it possible.”
In addition to receiving the Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving Award, CHI Memorial has also been recognized as a recipient of Mission: Lifeline’s Gold-Plus Award, which recognizes the hospital has reached an achievement score of 75 percent or greater for treating STEMI transfer patients within 120 minutes.
“We are committed to the highest standard of care for people suffering from a heart attack,” says Rick Napper, interim CEO, CHI Memorial. “We’ve consistently met specific reporting and achievement measures – and we’re excited for the community to know about the level of care they’ll receive when they enter our doors.”
CHI Memorial earned this award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients by providing emergency procedures to reestablish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for a designated period to receive the awards.