Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is proud to announce the recertification of both its cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of CSSMCW’s commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
“Achieving reaccreditation for CSSMCW’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff. I am immensely proud of their commitment to excellence and the compassionate care they provide to our patients every day,” said Tom Anders, Director of Rehabilitation Services.
To earn accreditation, CSSMCW’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
CSSMCW’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help heart and lung patients recover quickly from a heart attack, heart-related surgery, or a diagnosis of heart or pulmonary disease. A caring and compassionate team of healthcare professionals, including specialists, therapists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians, oversee the program tailored to fit each patient and improve their quality of life. For more information about CSSMCW’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, please call 814-467-3892 (cardiac) or 814-467-3118 (pulmonary), or visit www.windbercare.org.
Pictured L to R: Pulmonary Rehab Patient Care Coordinator Tonya Imler, Respiratory Therapist April Hicks, Exercise Physiologist Lori Cover, Manager of HealthStyles & Cardiac Rehab Angie Rokita, Exercise Physiologist Matt Brehm, Cardiac Rehab RN/Care Coordinator Miranda Cunningham, and Exercise Physiologist McKenzie Baer.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.
About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW’s mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.