Chester County Hospital earns award

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The American College of Cardiology has recognized Chester County Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to an electrophysiology (EP) lab for care. Chester County Hospital was awarded Electrophysiology Accreditation in June based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the EP lab.

Electrophysiology labs provide care for patients with arrhythmias and may employ treatments such as cardiac ablation and implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

“Chester County Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing the community of Chester County with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Chester County Hospital with Electrophysiology Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Electrophysiology 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 guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of EP lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, technicians, Advanced practice providers, and administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

“This accreditation is a testament to our electrophysiology team’s dedication to advancing care for patients with sometimes life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested many hospitals and health systems, our clinical and administrative teams continued to move forward with the necessary steps to achieve this accomplishment,” says Kurt Schillinger, MD, PhD, medical director of the Arrhythmia Program at Chester County Hospital.

Chester County Hospital also opened its state-of-the-art procedural suite in June, which includes 15 modern operating room suites, including three high-tech labs for catheterization and electrophysiology services, and a hybrid operating room. This new space provides the community with access to the most comprehensive heart care services, including Chester County Hospital transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Patients also have access to new areas for non-invasive cardiology and pre-procedure testing, and patient tower with 99 private inpatient rooms.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chester County Hospital’s Hybrid OR where procedures such as TAVR are performed.