South Fulton Medical Center has earned the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) award under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of respiratory care services available in hospitals. Only 15% of the hospitals in the United States, approximately 700, have received this award.
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) started the QRCR program in 2003 to help consumers identify facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services.
“We are proud to receive this designation,” comments John Smith, South Fulton Medical Center’s Director for Respiratory Care and Sleep Services. “The Hospital’s medical staff has supported our improvement initiatives, and we look forward to continued growth and collaboration – all designed to benefit patient care.”
To qualify for this recognition, South Fulton Medical Center had to adhere to the following conditions:
- All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the CRT or RRT credentials
- Respiratory therapists are available 24 hours
- Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision required for personnel to carry out specific procedures must be designated in writing
- A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services
The AARC is a membership organization representing more than 46,000 health professionals involved with respiratory care nationwide. The QRCR program grew out of growing concerns among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services provided to patients. “Hospitals that meet QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines and should be commended for their commitment to quality care,” says Smith. A list of QRCR hospitals is maintained at the association’s website for consumers, www.YourLungHealth.org.
Respiratory therapists are specifically trained health care professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS, and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.
The Respiratory Care Department at South Fulton Medical Center recently played an important role in the hospital being ranked as “Best for Critical Care” in the Atlanta Central region as defined by HealthGrades, a leading healthcare ratings organization, along with receiving a
5-Star Rating for Treatment of Respiratory Failure for two years in a row (2008 and 2009).
About South Fulton Medical Center:
South Fulton Medical Center, part of Tenet Georgia, is a 338-bed acute care community medical center located in East Point, Georgia. Established in 1963, South Fulton Medical Center has been at the forefront in meeting the medical and health care needs of residents of South Fulton, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton and Douglas counties for more than a decade. Specialties include cardiac services, emergency services, outpatient surgery services, women's health, sleep disorders center, and a senior care clinic. South Fulton Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.
For more information, visit www.southfultonmedicalcenter.com or call 404-466-1170.