May 22, 2020 – Pampa Regional Medical Center is excited to announce that the PRMC Emergency Department has been accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for it’s new Geriatric Emergency Department program.
The ACEP began the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program to recognize those emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults. This accreditation is an important nod to the specific programs, protocols and safe-guards that have been put into effect within the department to ensure improved patient outcomes.
Also, what this means for the community is to be served by an organization that has sought out and applied standardized approaches to care that address common geriatric issues, ensure optimal transitions of care from the ED to other settings, improved emergency department times, and supported geriatric-focused quality improvement.
“Older adults visit emergency departments at a high rate, they often present with multiple chronic conditions and face more social and physical challenges than the general population.” Said Paul Kivela, MD, MBA, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Seniors who visit ACEP accredited emergency departments can be assured that the facilities have the necessary expertise, equipment and personnel in place to provide optimal care, especially in rural areas.”
The GEDA program is voluntary. A level 3 emergency department must incorporate many best practices, along with providing inter-disciplinary geriatric education to nurses and physicians, and having geriatric appropriate equipment.
Pampa Regional Medical Center has systems in place to protect older adults while in the department as well as at home. Each patient identified as a geriatric patient is triaged and screened for elder abuse, ways to reduce falls and injuries, and other geriatric specific criteria.
The emergency room staff has ensured the department be stocked with durable medical equipment in the event it is needed for the senior.
“Pampa Regional’s emergency room is ready to treat anyone who needs medical services, however, the older population sometimes need more than the typical medical care. They might need support for daily living activities, ambulation and a variety of other factors that lead to a visit to the ER. The new accreditation assures our senior community that Pampa Regional has implemented the highest standards to provide the best level of care specific to their unique needs. We are very proud of our ER team and we continue to look at new ways to improve the care for our community.” Said Edwin Leon, PRMC CEO.
About Pampa Regional Medical Center: Located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, Pampa Regional Medical Center is a 109-bed acute-care hospital serving many of the communities in the Panhandle. A full range of surgical and medical services are offered, including Interventional Cardiology, Sleep Lab, Wound Care, Pain Management, Urology including lithotripsy, General Surgery including Endoscopy, Diagnostic and Radiology Services, Psychiatry, Orthopedics including Total Joint Replacements, Intensive Care, Comprehensive Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Outpatient Medical Clinics, Women’s Services, and a 24-hour Emergency Room with Telestroke capabilities. Pampa Regional Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and has consecutively earned the Gold Seal of Approval. Pampa Regional Medical Center endeavors to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare in a convenient, compassionate and cost-effective manner. PRMC is a member of Prime Healthcare. For more information please visit prmctx.com.
