#United States #MemorialCare #Laguna Hills #Saddleback Medical #Geriatric Emergency

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Achieves Geriatric ED Accreditation

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center has once again proven its dedication to the elder community by earning a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA). This acknowledgement comes from the American College of Emergency Physicians and emphasizes the hospital's focus on providing high-quality emergency care for senior patients. This new accreditation marks the third consecutive cycle for Saddleback Medical Center, which has been maintaining its GEDA distinction since 2019. Even more impressively, Saddleback Medical is one of fewer than 400 accredited geriatric emergency departments across the country.

Brandi Cassingham, the Chief Nursing Officer at Saddleback Medical Center, remarked, "This reaccreditation reflects our continued commitment to providing compassionate, safe, and age-sensitive emergency care." As the demographic of older adults rapidly grows, with more than 11,000 Americans reaching the age of 65 each day, hospitals need to adapt and ensure their staff is well-equipped to handle the unique concerns of this population. Saddleback Medical Center's ongoing GEDA status underlines the facility's leadership in adapting and advancing care for elderly patients in South Orange County.

The Level 3 GEDA accreditation, often recognized as the bronze standard, validates that an emergency department meets stringent requirements regarding staffing, training, equipment, and processes, ensuring that the special needs of aging patients are addressed. This designation not only signifies adherence to high standards of care but also indicates that Saddleback Medical Center has established practices consistent with national geriatric care guidelines.

To secure reaccreditation, the hospital presented an extensive portfolio that demonstrated their focus on geriatric emergency initiatives. This included a team of physician and nursing champions who have completed required geriatric-specific educational training within the last three years. Furthermore, the portfolio showcased various care processes implemented within the emergency department, such as protocols for preventing delirium, minimizing urinary catheter usage, and reducing physical restraints. Such measures have proven to improve both safety and outcomes for elderly patients. Additionally, the department ensures accessibility to mobility aids and follows protocols that prioritize the comfort and appropriate hydration of older patients amidst emergency care situations.

The GEDA program, developed by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with entities like the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the Emergency Nurses Association, aims to elevate the standard of emergency care for older adults. It specifically targets vulnerabilities prevalent among this demographic, like delirium, falls, medication complications, and mobility issues.

Achieving Level 3 accreditation requires compliance with best practices tailored for the elderly, alongside maintaining the necessary equipment and training. The recognition letter from ACEP's accreditation team highlights Saddleback Medical Center’s strong system-wide commitment to providing high-quality senior care. Furthermore, the GEDA Board of Governors will continue to offer guidance and support to ensure the ongoing advancement and refinements in the quality of care, setting the stage for the next reaccreditation in three years.

Moreover, the efforts at Saddleback Medical Center contribute to a broader awareness of the necessity for specialized emergency services as the senior population grows. The hospital not only excels in emergency care but also maintains excellence in various medical fields including cancer treatment, cardiac health, orthopedics, and women's health among others. It has established itself as a leader in healthcare within Southern California, earning numerous accolades including recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Healthgrades.

In summary, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center's commitment to enhancing its emergency care services for seniors fosters a culture of dignity-centered care that correlates with the needs of an aging population. As the healthcare field continues to evolve, Saddleback Medical Center is positioned as a vanguard for quality geriatric emergency services in Orange County, ensuring that older adults receive the specialized attention and care they require as they navigate emergencies.