Ascension Seton Hospitals Receive Primary Heart Attack Certification

Three Ascension Seton Hospitals Receive Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center Certification

Ascension hospitals are first in Central Texas to receive new heart attack certification by Joint Commission in partnership with the American Heart Association

Austin, Texas – Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, Ascension Seton Hays and Ascension Seton Williamson have been awarded the Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center Certification from The Joint Commission in partnership with the American Heart Association. The certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.

“We are honored to be the first hospitals in Central Texas to receive this important certification,” said Andy Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Texas. “It is a testament to our Ascension Texas Cardiovascular program, led by our Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Mark Pirwitz, and the expertise of our healthcare providers and associates. We look forward to continuing to evolve and transform our cardiovascular capabilities so that our community can get complex heart care close to home.”

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, Ascension Seton Hays and Ascension Seton Williamson underwent a rigorous, on-site review in December. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted on-site observations and interviews.

“We congratulate Ascension Seton for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Heart Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for cardiac patients.”

About Ascension Texas
In Texas, Ascension operates Ascension Providence in Waco and Ascension Seton, which includes Dell Children’s Medical Center, the region’s only comprehensive children’s hospital and pediatric Level I trauma center, and Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, the region’s only Level I trauma center for adults. Ascension Seton partners with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and shares a common vision of transforming healthcare through a focus on quality and value. Serving Texas for more than 120 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org and www.dellchildrens.net.