UPMC Hamot Awarded Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification From the Joint Commission
The exciting news was announced by David Gibbons, president of UPMC Hamot, to a gathering of employees, community leaders, and media outlets. He was joined at the podium by Richard Petrella, MD, Medical Staff president and Cardiovascular Thoracic Medicine and Surgery Department chair. The event culminated an arduous journey to meet criteria laid out by the Joint Commission in conjunction with the American Heart Association, requiring untold toil and commitment from all cardiac care delivery areas.
Standards for the certification encompass the following: acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac resuscitation, arrhythmia management, cardiac catheterization, heart stents, coronary bypass/valve treatment, and cardiac rehabilitation.
“The Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center designation represents our dedication to raising the bar for UPMC Hamot — evaluating and evolving the care our patients receive at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum. Going forward, our cardiac service line is positioned to effectively face new challenges in the future,” says Gibbons.
From inpatient to outpatient care to rehabilitation, CCCC certification links to the entire system of cardiac care. Achieving CCCC certification is expected to aid in providing integrated and coordinated care, early identification of high-risk patients, and timely patient education for informed decision making. The certification will also contribute to ongoing quality improvement as related to patient care efficiencies and outcomes.
The American Heart Association issued the following statement. “We congratulate UPMC Hamot for this outstanding achievement. This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for cardiac patients.”
The Joint Commission commended UPMC Hamot for “using this certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for cardiac patients.”
Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center designation adds to a growing list of UPMC Hamot-earned distinctions, including the region’s only certified trauma center, Magnet® hospital, and comprehensive stroke center. Additionally, UPMC Hamot was the first in the nation to use robotic bronchoscopy technology.
UPMC Hamot is checking all the boxes
Proactively seek out new ways to challenge ourselves in knowledge, capability, and scope as health care providers. Continually assess hospital operations to enhance existing patient safety and quality of care. Never accept status quo as good enough.
Voluntarily enter the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center (CCCC) certification program. Not because we have to, but because it is the right thing to do for our patients. Persevere to implement standards lacing throughout all areas of cardiac care at UPMC Hamot.
Undergo a rigorous on-site Joint Commission visit during which our compliance to CCCC standards is strictly evaluated, including performance standards and targeted metrics. Successfully pass on-site review.
Earn prestigious designation as a certified Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center through the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.
Develop UPMC Hamot and Erie, Pennsylvania, into a world-class hospital destination complete with outstanding facilities, latest technologies, and demanding certifications to prove it.