MSLC receives Mission: Lifeline Silver Receiving Achievement Award

NEWBURGH, August 2019 — Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC) has received the Mission: Lifeline^® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI),the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

“Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Joan Cusack-McGuirk, MSLC President and CEO. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care through Mission: Lifeline.”

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. The initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines.

MSLC earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment through emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients coming into the hospital directly or by transfer from another facility. Earning the Silver level of the Mission Lifeline Award was the highest possible achievement for MSLC in relation to the metrics and submission required. The hospital is on track to receive a Gold Award in 2020.

“We commend Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall for this award in recognition for following evidence-based guidelines for timely heart attack treatment,” said Tim Henry, M.D., Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “We applaud the significant institutional commitment to their critical role in the system of care for quickly and appropriately treating heart attack patients.”

The Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Cardiovascular Service Line provides an individualized and comprehensive approach to the identification of cardiac risk factors and quick assessment of symptoms. State-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic equipment allows the staff to quickly obtain the necessary information to diagnose heart problems and determine the best possible plan of care.

MSLC formed the Cardiovascular Institute, an integrated program which enhances the already collaborative relationship between the hospital and participating cardiologists by specifically focusing on the quality of care provided to patients, including coordinated follow-up appointments and communication between referring physicians, cardiologists and the interventional cardiologists. This cohesive approach is designed to enhance the overall patient experience while providing high-quality care with a focus on prevention. The MSLC Cardiovascular Institute allows for new and unique clinical services and provides community education.

About Mission: Lifeline

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org.