OCEANSIDE, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019 – Tri-City Medical Center announced today it has pledged tojoin the San Diego Senior Emergency Care Initiative, a first-of-its-kind public-private commitment by local health systems in collaboration with the County of San Diego and nonprofit West Health. As part of its pledge, Tri-City Medical Center will seek to earn Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, as offered by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), by the end of 2020. All other major healthcare systems in the region have also signed onto the initiative, which would make San Diego the first region in the nation to offer accredited Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) across its various healthcare systems.
Tri-City Medical Center is already following nearly all of the best practices needed for accreditation. Through its commitment to the San Diego Senior Emergency Care Initiative, Tri-City Medical Center will continue focus on optimizing its emergency department experience for older adults and earn GED accreditation.
Tri-City Medical Center’s emergency department is one of the busiest in the county, with more than 56,000 patient visits last fiscal year alone. The commitment to GED accreditation helps to address aging concerns, which was identified as a top community health need in the Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties’ (HASDIC) 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment.
“Tri-City Medical Center is excited to be pursuing Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation in partnership with the County of San Diego and West Health,” said Tri-City Medical Center CEO Steve Dietlin. “Formal accreditation is the logical progression as we continue our focus on providing a safe environment and high-quality care to geriatric patients. Tri-City remains committed to providing the best possible experience and continuing our leadership in senior care here in North County.”
“San Diego is seeing a huge surge in its senior population. Many struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and are vulnerable to mishaps and medical emergencies,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob. “Supporting our region’s hospitals as they pursue senior-friendly care in their emergency departments is an important part of The Aging Roadmap, the county’s regional vision and framework for supporting healthy aging.”
For more, visit tricitymed.org.
About Tri-City Medical Center
Tri-City Medical Center has served its community for over 50 years and is a full service, acute-care hospital in Oceanside, CA with over 500 physicians practicing in 60 specialties. Tri-City Medical Center is licensed for 386 bedsand maintains a census of 150 to 200 daily. Its Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission recognizes its commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community it serves. It operates the only Level III Neonatal Intensive CareUnit (NICU) in North County as well as the Orthopedic & Spine Institute, a Cardiovascular Health Institute and the Tri-City Wellness & Fitness Center in Carlsbad, Calif. It also specializes in robotic surgery, cancer, women’s health, and emergency care. Formore information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit www.tricitymed.org.
