Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Becomes First in State to Receive Accreditation for Care of Senior Citizens

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Ascension Saint Thomas West campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 12, 2022) – The emergency department at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West has become first in the state to receive accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in the discipline of geriatric care. ACEP’s Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program recognizes emergency departments that offer specialized care for patients age 65 and older.

Ascension Saint Thomas is committed to offering personalized care for all Middle Tennesseans by recognizing and serving unique needs. With the Level 3 accreditation, the Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West ED will continue to serve adult patients of all ages while integrating best practices for geriatric care as outlined by ACEP.

The emergency department care team has received enhanced training to assess older adults for unique needs. The hospital has invested in new stretchers, additional walkers, and other specialized equipment for geriatric patients. As part of this program, care coordinators will also assist seniors in accessing transportation to follow-up doctor appointments.

“As Middle Tennesseans live longer, it is more important than ever before that we evolve to meet the complex needs of those 65 and older,” said Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital. “I am incredibly proud of our emergency department caregivers for helping us achieve this milestone. We are honored to be a healthcare destination for so many in our community, including seniors.”

About Ascension Saint Thomas

Ascension Saint Thomas operates 12 hospital campuses in Tennessee in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities that cover a 45-county area and employ more than 8,500 associates. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas provided more than $180 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2022. The health system has a 125-year history in Tennessee. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable, through its more than 2,600 sites of care in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

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