LLUMC-Murrieta Receives Accreditation As a Chest Pain Center

Loma Linda University Medical Center's Murrieta campus has received full accreditation as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an international non-profit focused on improving cardiovascular care. “This is a huge accomplishment and creates a benefit to the community that will save lives and improve the quality of life in our region,” said Greg Henderson, newly appointed administrator of operations for LLUMC – Murrieta. “We have a dedicated team of professionals who have committed themselves to save lives. This accreditation is another important step as Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta strives to provide world-class lifesaving heart care for this area.” Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing approximately 600,000 people annually. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. An Accredited Chest Pain Center’s evidence-based approach to cardiac patient care allows clinicians to rapidly begin treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack. The CPC Accreditation process ensures that hospitals meet or exceed a wide set of stringent criteria and undergo a comprehensive onsite review by a team of accreditation review specialists. Hospitals that received SCPC Chest Pain Center Accreditation status have achieved a higher level of expertise in caring for patients with chest pain. By achieving SCPC’s Chest Pain Center with PCI Accreditation status, LLUMC – Murrieta has demonstrated expertise in the following areas: - Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system. - Assessing, diagnosing and treating patients quickly. - Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms. - Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures. - Ensuring the competence and training of Accredited Chest Pain Center personnel. - Maintaining organizational structure and commitment. - Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care. Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack. “In a short time, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta has rapidly become the leading provider of lifesaving heart care services. We see this accreditation as a vital part of our growth and long-term commitment to bringing advanced cardiac treatment and education to this community,” states Dr. David Lu, cardiologist and chair of the LLUMC – Murrieta chest pain committee. “Not long ago, people had to endure long transportation out of the area to get this type of care, and now we have a comprehensive program that is close to home. In this program, our patients will experience our commitment to excellence.”