Dignity Health Memorial Hospital awarded Primary Heart Attack Center Certification from The Joint Commission

(BAKERSFIELD, CA, August 18, 2023) – As one of the most advanced centers for treating cardiovascular diseases in the Southern Valley, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is proud to announce it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Heart Attack Center Certification.

“This distinction is a testament to the incredible focus and dedication of the caregivers within our cardiac program,” said Ken Keller, President & CEO of Memorial Hospital. “Their exceptional work has led Memorial Hospital to be the only hospital in our community with this certification.” 

”This certification demonstrates incredible teamwork and commitment to excellence in our cardiovascular program across the board,” said Michele Shain, senior director of cardiovascular and neuroscience services.  “Our patients can be confident that our heart attack program upholds the very highest standards in delivering quality cardiac care.”

Memorial Hospital recently underwent a rigorous, 2-day onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including timely recognition and rapid treatment of a heart attack, ensuring 24/7 access to cardiology specialists and the cardiac cath lab, and demonstrating collaboration with Kern County EMS for early assessment. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Primary Heart Attack Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “We commend Memorial Hospital for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for cardiac patients.”

“We congratulate Memorial Hospital 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.”

For more information about cardiac services at Memorial Hospital, please visit dignityhealth.org/bakersfield/heart. 

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About Dignity Health Memorial Hospital

Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a 385-bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center including the area’s only dedicated pediatric emergency room, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House and Hope House. A member of CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.