Thomas Conner, Ambulatory Services Director; Anjan Gupta, MD, Interventional Cardiologist; Nicholas Reynolds, Quality and Chest Pain Coordinator; Amy Ostrosky, Cardiology Nurse Manager
“We have processes in place that allow us to treat patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved,” states M. Steven Jones, President, UH Community HospitalsEast. “This accreditation is the direct result of the hard work of our staff and providers and their commitment to continually improve the care continuum for the communities we serve.” By becoming an Accredited Chest Pain Center, UH Portage Medical Center has enhanced the quality of care for the cardiac patient and has demonstrated its commitment to higher standards.
UH Portage’s advanced health care encompasses the entire continuum of care for the heart patient, including an Emergency Department (Level III Trauma Center), Catheterization Lab, Pacemaker Clinic, Heart Failure Clinic, UH Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, community outreach programs, and collaboration with providers and the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). With chest pain, always call 9-1-1. You can ask to be taken to UH Portage Medical Center.
William Moulton did not anticipate the series of events that would occur before leaving his Rootstown home on September 8, 2016 for the doctor’s office. Before heading out, William experienced sudden tingling and weakness in his arm and leg.
Upon arriving in the emergency department of UH Portage Medical Center, William underwent several tests that confirmed his worst fear—he was experiencing a mini-stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). He was quickly admitted for more tests. On November 2, William underwent a heart catheterization procedure and became the first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patient at UH Portage, a procedure also known as coronary angioplasty which involves placing a stent in an artery to restore blood flow through narrow or blocked arteries. “I was lucky they caught it in time,” said William. “It was comforting to me that some of the staff are my neighbors. They all treated me right, from the doctors, nurses and everyone.” William finished his last day of cardiac rehabilitation on February 1 and looks forward to an active retirement.
Back row, L to R: Marc Streem, RN; Melissa Andrews, RN; Gretchen Ginn, RN Front row: Tracy Paleudis, RN; Missy Noel, RN; Suzzie Madlem, RT; Anjan Gupta, MD; Itsy Ray, RN; Mary Tsai, RT
“I’m going to miss them,” commented William of the cardiac rehab staff. “They taught me how to eat better and live a healthier life. It’s good to know they have people here that will care for the people of this community like they cared for me. This is now my home away from home and I’ll be back to visit with them.”