EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — University Medical Center of El Paso announced Tuesday, Feb. 4 what it is calling a significant milestone in its efforts to deliver quality health care to the Borderland region and older residents in particular.
UMC said it has achieved two significant new accreditations — Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and a Level 2 Age-Friendly: Committed to Care Excellence Recognition for its outpatient clinics from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
“As many members in our community age, they require more specialized care. This accreditation and designation, coupled with the geriatric center that will be built in Central El Paso, are prime examples of our focus toward seniors and their care. We are honored to be accredited as a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department and to have Age-friendly designated outpatient clinics to maintain the highest level of care for patients of all ages,” said Jacob Cintron, president and CEO for the El Paso County Hospital District.
The GEDA program is a national initiative that recognizes hospitals equipped to handle complex health issues among older patients, UMC said.
To obtain this accreditation, UMC’s Emergency Department at the UMC Main Campus implemented specialized geriatric training for staff and screenings to identify potential risks in patients, such as cognitive impairment and fall risks, the hospital said.
As an Age-Friendly Health System, UMC’s Outpatient Clinics have also implemented a set of evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve care for adults age 65 years and older, the hospital said.
“The country is aging, and El Paso is no exception. The median age in El Paso in 2000 was between 28-30 years of age. Now, it is estimated at 34 years of age. The need is clear to health professionals and it must be understood by the public and policymakers, as well. This is one piece of the puzzle to ensure our elders are able to age with dignity,” County Commissioenr David Stout said. “I am grateful to the community members who brought this opportunity to our attention, and to the Hospital District for moving on the initiative.”
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