Durban hospital receives American accolade
THE Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre recently became the first facility on the continent to be awarded a formal accreditation by the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
According to the Lenmed Group, the centre was the first to be awarded chest pain centre accreditation with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This was based on an evaluation of the hospital team’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
PCI, or coronary angioplasty, is a procedure used to open clogged heart arteries. During the procedure a tiny balloon catheter is inserted into a blocked blood vessel to help widen it and improve the blood flow to the heart.
“This accreditation is aligned to Lenmed’s vision of becoming a leading health-care group in Africa and it illustrates our commitment to being world-class,” said Michelle Naidoo, the Lenmed Group marketing and communications manager.
“In South Africa, every hour, five people experience a heart attack according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. Heart disease is responsible for over 17% of all deaths in South Africa and it is the leading cause of death, second to HIV/Aids. Importantly, the treatment of a heart attack is time-sensitive. The quicker you can receive treatment, the lower the risk of damage to the heart muscle.”
Naidoo said that during its evaluation, the centre was found to meet the requirements to urgently treat heart attacks. “Hospitals receiving the accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multifaceted clinical process. It involves a year-long progression of analysing current procedures and systems, improving methods and strategies to care for patients, assuring alignment to international guidelines, standards and best practices as well as community education.
“The accreditation also ensures holistic patient care – where the hospital’s relationships and partnerships with emergency services, pathology, doctors, the entire network and employees served them well. This enables the early intervention and total care of the patient, including post-discharge requirements for recovery.”
Amil Devchand, the Lenmed chief executive officer, said: “We are incredibly proud of Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre in achieving this accolade. It is a testament to the incredible dedication of our cardiologists and clinical teams to saving lives and improving our patients’ quality of life.
“We are honoured to be the first hospital in Africa to receive this accreditation and to continue our mission to ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities.”
Dr Cassim Hansa, a lead cardiologist on the team, said: “Our success in achieving the ACC accreditation is down to how the entire team mobilised and worked together. This was because of the commitment from each and every individual in the system. It included doctors, nurses, paramedics, porters, the hospital management and the administration team.
“Most importantly, the ultimate outcome is improved patient care and the long-term benefit for those who present to our hospital with a heart attack. And that is a goal we should not lose sight of. In the end, this is about optimising our care for better patient outcomes.”
Niresh Bechan, the centre’s chief executive officer, said it was vital for people to check for heart attack symptoms.
“Always seek immediate medical attention for any chest pain or discomfort. Other symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw.
“It may also include shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, a heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, call our emergency response.”
Dr Deepak L Bhatt, a fellow at the ACC and chair of its accreditation management board, who has a Master’s in public health, said: “Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre has demonstrated its commitment to providing KwaZulu-Natal with excellent heart care.”
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, which is part of the Lenmed Group, is a digitally integrated hospital that offers an adult and paediatric cardiac and cardiothoracic service.
The ACC offers US and international hospitals like the centre access to a suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimise patient outcomes and improve hospital performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.