Morris County Health: Morristown Medical Center Earns Prestigious Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Dept. Accreditation
Published on February 04, 2019
Second Hospital in New Jersey with Accreditation
Atlantic Health System's Morristown Medical Center today announced it has earned Level 2 (silver) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from The American College of Emergency Physicians, with support from The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and John A. Hartford Foundation.
The award recognizes emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults. The Sameth Emergency Department at Morristown Medical Center is the second hospital in the state to earn this prestigious accreditation.
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The over-65 generation is the nation's fastest-growing age group, and Morristown Medical Center is committed to ensuring our aging patients, families and caregivers have access to high-quality medical care that ensures they are safe and well-cared for€”inside and outside the walls of our hospital, said Trish O'Keefe, President, Morristown Medical Center.
Morristown Medical Center is home to The Medicines Company Geriatric Emergency Department, which has senior-friendly features including:
- Volunteers who assist older patients in the ED
- Initiatives to ensure accurate medication reconciliation by an emergency department pharmacist
- New programs to reduce patient delirium while in the emergency department
- Non-skid flooring, adjustable lighting and grab bars
- Access to canes and walkers
- Hearing amplifiers for those who forget their hearing aids, reading glasses, and additional seating for visitors
- Reducing the use of urinary catheters
- Access to transportation services
- Earlier referral to palliative care when appropriate
- Physician and nurse training in caring for the geriatric population
A multi-specialist team including a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner, geriatric social worker, dedicated emergency department pharmacists with geriatric-specific training, transitional care nurse and several care managers are focused on improving the care for the older population and adopt evidence-based practices for optimal care.
In addition, Morristown Medical Center's Geriatric Assessment Center, part of the David and Joan Powell Center for Healthy Aging, provides consultative assessments for older patients with multiple medical and memory problems, primary care for those in poor health and at high risk for hospitalization, caregiver guidance, social work consultation and more.
Congratulations to Morristown Medical Center!