The Miriam Hospital has achieved accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) as a Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Department. This accreditation affirms The Miriam Hospital’s dedication to delivering the highest level of emergency department care for older adults.
The Miriam Hospital has implemented evidence-based best practices in geriatric emergency care including specialized screening tools, careful prescribing to avoid high-risk medications, integration of palliative care and geriatric psychiatry consultations, as well as improved access to transportation and transitional care services for its patients.
“Receiving Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation reflects the exceptional care, skill, and dedication our entire emergency department team brings to every patient we serve,” said Maria Ducharme, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health. “I am deeply proud to work alongside this group of committed individuals to care for our growing geriatric population with dignity and respect.”
The voluntary GEDA program recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond to provide specialized care for older adults. A Level 2 GEDA accreditation means the emergency department has adopted many proven approaches including training for staff in caring for older adults and has the right equipment and supplies in place to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for senior patients.
“I am humbled to lead a team of skilled clinicians, nurses and staff who provide the highest standards of care to all who enter our doors” said David Curley, M.D., Ph.D., medical director, The Miriam Hospital Emergency Department. “Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation is a milestone we set for ourselves to continue to push the boundaries of exceptional care for the residents of Rhode Island.”
The Miriam Hospital is one of only a few hospitals in New England to become an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department. The hospital’s ongoing construction of a new, state-of-the-art emergency department will build upon this achievement, incorporating thoughtful design elements to further enhance safety, comfort, and accessibility for older adults and all patients who seek care.