Ashley Regional Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation

VERNAL, UT (January 5, 2023) — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Ashley Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Ashley Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in November 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.

“Ashley Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Basin 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 Ashley Regional with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

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.

 “The team at ARMC is committed to providing excellence in patient care for the Basin. The Chest Pain Center Accreditation highlights the extraordinary work the team does every day,” stated Grant Barraclough, chief nursing officer of Ashley Regional. “We are proud of the teamwork and dedication that goes into this achievement, and believe it is just one way that we can help to make our community healthier.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Ashley Regional Medical Center 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 Ashley Regional Medical Center

Through its 39-bed, Joint Commission-accredited acute care facility and physician practices, Ashley Regional Medical Center provides inpatient and outpatient services to the populations of Uintah, Duchesne and Daggett counties in Utah and Rio Blanco County in Colorado. It is a designated Level IV trauma center, an Accredited Chest Pain Center and has been designated as a Stroke Receiving Facility by the Utah State Department of Health. The healthcare workers provide safe, high-quality patient care across labor and delivery, surgery, imaging, outpatient care, the 24/7/365 emergency room and many other specialties. Ashley Regional has been recognized for excellence in quality indicators and measures, including being named a Top 100 Community & Rural hospital for six consecutive years by Chartis Center for Rural Health, a 100 Top Hospital by Watson Health and holds a 5-star CMS rating.

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.