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Southwest General’s Brunswick Emergency Department Receives Prominent Geriatric Treatment Accreditation

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  • Written By: Caroline Fienga

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 1-27-2022

Caroline Fienga
Public Relations Specialist
216-299-7727 (cell)
cfienga@swgeneral.com

Middleburg Heights, OH (Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022) – Southwest General’s Brunswick Emergency Department (ED) has received the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA). The accreditation is part of an effort to improve and standardize emergency care for the nation’s older patients.

“Older adults visit EDs at a higher rate, and they often present with multiple chronic conditions and face more social and physical challenges than the general population,” said Paul Kivela, MD, MBA, FACEP, president, ACEP. “Seniors who visit an ACEP-accredited ED can rest assured that the facility has the necessary expertise, equipment and personnel in place to provide optimal care.”

The GEDA accreditation program promotes the goal of providing quality care for older adult patients. The program includes three levels (similar to trauma designations) with specific criteria and goals for clinicians and administrators. These include:

  • Enhanced staffing and education
  • Geriatric-focused policies and protocols, including transition of care
  • Quality improvements and outcomes
  • Appropriate preparation of the treatment area

Southwest General’s Brunswick Emergency Department currently holds a level three (bronze) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation.

“In addition to treating acute conditions and illnesses, emergency medicine physicians have a unique opportunity to develop a more comprehensive approach to caring for senior patients,” said William A. Young, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Southwest General. “This allows them to review and flag any potential concerns, which, in return, will help to reduce future hospital admissions and assist with care transitions.”

Nearly one-quarter of ED visits among patients aged 60 and older resulted in a hospital admission, and this percentage increased with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Through this accreditation, we are better suited to address the needs of the seniors who visit our Brunswick ED on a yearly basis,” said Young. “We are proud to be recognized by ACEP with this accreditation, and we are committed to providing quality emergency care services for older adults in our region.”

About Southwest General

Southwest General is a private, not-for-profit, 352-bed acute care facility located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Founded in 1920, Southwest General is home to nationally recognized physicians with full access to state-of-the-art technology. Southwest General has a deep commitment to providing personalized care and building a healthy future for the patients, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit swgeneral.com or find Southwest General on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About American College of Emergency Physicians

American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.