HUMC earns Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation

National recognition signifies department’s commitment to gold-standard care for older adults

Hackensack University Medical Center’s Emergency Department recently earned recertification of its Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation — the highest-level designation available through the program — from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

The department earned its first certification in 2019.

The accreditation signifies HUMC’s commitment to providing older adults with the highest quality emergency care that meets or exceeds national standards of excellence.

“We are proud to be among only a few centers in the region to earn the prestigious Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation,” Dr. Manisha Parulekar, division chief of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center said. “To achieve our goal of providing comprehensive care for older adults when they need us most, our ED team has taken steps to implement best practices including geriatric-friendly equipment, interdisciplinary geriatric education, specially trained staff, and routine screening for delirium, dementia, fall risk, and other vulnerabilities.”

“Having equipment and protocols tailored to older adults’ unique needs will enhance our ability to efficiently and effectively deliver emergency treatment,” Dr. Lisa Tank, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Hackensack University Medical Center, and chief medical officer, North Region, Hackensack Meridian Health said. “Our clinicians also participate in extensive, specialized training that allows them to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to implement protocols that promote safety and quality for older adults.”

“Hackensack University Medical Center is a regional hub for high-quality emergency care,” Mark Sparta, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center, and president, North Region, Hackensack Meridian Health said. “Our GEDA recertification is a testament to our commitment to providing outstanding care for seniors in the communities we serve, as well as our ability to deliver complete care for older adults who are facing a life-threatening emergency.”