Jameson Health System Receives VHA Pennsylvania APEX Award for Excellence in Cardiac Care

New Castle , PA – April 21, 2008 - Jameson Hospital has been awarded the VHA Pennsylvania Achieving Patient Care Excellence (APEX) Award for excellence in cardiac care. 

The Pittsburgh , Pa. office of VHA, Inc., the national health care alliance, has recognized Jameson Health System for demonstrating excellence in patient care.  Jameson Hospital is one of only a few qualifying VHA member hospitals to receive VHA Pennsylvania’s APEX Award. 

The APEX award recognizes VHA member organizations that have differentiated themselves by demonstrating extraordinary levels of clinical performance. The awards recognition program is open to all members of the VHA Pennsylvania alliance.

Jameson first dedicated a team in 2001 to improve heart failure outcomes and reduce readmissions. In 2003 Jameson collaborated with VHA to enhance its efforts.  In December 2005, Jameson received a Certificate of Excellence from VHA for successfully attaining Green Light Status for all four Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Core Measure Indicators and was recognized again for the third quarter of 2006.  The newest award is in recognition of efforts in achieving Green Light Status for Heart Failure Core Measure Indicators for the second and third quarters of 2007, as well as for Acute Myocardial Infarction ( AMI ) measures.  

“This prestigious award underscores the dedicated focus of our clinical staff and physicians in improving the care provided to our cardiac patients. It is further validation that world-class healthcare is available right here in Lawrence County ,” said Thomas White, president & CEO of Jameson Health System.

Data for APEX award criteria is reviewed by VHA Pennsylvania staff on a quarterly basis to coincide with VHA Pennsylvania Performance Improvement Council meetings.