Portiuncula University Hospital’s Echocardiography Department receives European Accreditation

Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) has recently received European accreditation for the Echocardiography Department by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) following a process of quality standards and improvements.

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) established a European Echocardiogram standard in laboratory practices and patient care. The aim of laboratory accreditation is to raise quality standards of practice and equipment across Europe in a uniform manner. It is also designed to be used as an educational tool to improve the overall quality of Cardiac Investigation departments.

Portiuncula University Hospital is the third Hospital in the country to be accredited by the European Association of Cardiovascular.

Claire McDermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist said, “I am delighted and extremely proud of our team here in the Cardiac Investigations Department for having achieved such a highly regarded world recognised accreditation. We now have certification for five years, which would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of such a fantastic team.

"It is an exciting time for our department as we continue to focus on quality improvement, embrace new methods of working, new technology, and more integration to ensure we continue to provide our patients with the utmost care,” she added.

The cardiac Investigations Department provides a variety of non-invasive tests such as ECG, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm monitoring, exercise stress tests and echocardiography. Last year the department carried out 3,200 echocardiograms; a type of ultrasound for the heart used to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of cardiac disorders and to assess treatments for heart conditions.

“This accreditation gives great confidence to patients knowing they are attending a department that is performing their echocardiograms to the highest standards," said Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist.  It also demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and knowledge expansion. The team's dedication to improving our service delivery has been incredible, and we are now lucky enough to be using the most advanced state-of-the-art echocardiography technology in our department.”

Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist, went on to remark, "I would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the echocardiogram team.” This honour recognises their skills while also reflecting the hospital's and the Cardiac Investigation Department's dedication to provide the best possible care to patients.”

For more information about the accreditation visit http://www.escardio.org/Education/Career-Development/Accreditation/EACVI-Laboratory-accreditation/Accredited-Laboratories

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