Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The hospital has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

 

“This designation is a testament to our cardiac care team’s commitment to providing exceptional, patient-centered care to the patients and families of Northwest Houston,” said Keith Barber, chief executive officer, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and senior vice president, Houston Methodist. “We are one of only a handful of hospitals in the state with this level of accreditation by the American College of Cardiology.”

 

The Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation accreditation is the highest Chest Pain level accreditation offered by the American College of Cardiology. Hospitals that have earned the accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) – also known as coronary angioplasty – available 24/7 every day of the year. They comply with standard chest pain center protocols, and they maintain a “no diversion policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients (meaning the hospital will not divert cardiac arrest patients en route by EMS to another facility).

 

"Being chest pain-accredited with an integrated cardiac cath lab model gives the team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook a unique advantage in expediting care to patients presenting with chest pain - including, but not limited to, quick triage, reduced ER times, overall improvement to patient safety and better outcomes," said Dr. Sanjay Kunapuli, medical lead of the Chest Pain Center at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.  "We follow the national guidelines set forth by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in providing the highest quality of care to patients." 

 

For more information about heart care services and other services offered by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook, or call 281.737.2500 to find a physician.

 

Visit accreditation.acc.org for more information about the American College of Cardiology accreditation.