(CLINTON, Ind.) – Union Hospital Clinton ranks as the fourth fastest hospital in the nation for transferring patients to another facility for acute coronary intervention.

Based on information collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Becker’s Hospital Review compiled data for patients who come to the hospital with heart attack or chest pain symptoms and the average time for those patients to be transferred to another facility for acute coronary intervention.

“This achievement demonstrates the intentional focus and dedication of the entire Union Hospital Clinton and cardiovascular care team at Union Health to ensure the best possible outcome for those suffering from a heart attack,” Stephanie Laws, Vice President and Administrator of Union Hospital Clinton, said.

"When every minute counts during a heart attack, Union Hospital Clinton emerges as a beacon of hope,” Dr. George Bittar, cardiologist at Union Health, said. “As one of the nation's top four hospitals excelling in expediting patient care, we're committed to delivering excellence in the critical moments that matter."

“It is an honor for our team to be recognized for the exceptional care that we provide to our community when they present to our ER with acute cardiac issues,” Hillary Smith, BSN, RN, Nursing Care Manager, UHC Emergency Department, said. “As a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in our area, we have long focused our efforts on maximizing the timely and efficient care we provide to our cardiac patients. Such acknowledgements of our efforts are quite graciously appreciated but seeing these same patients – who are our neighbors, friends, or families - back out in our community, is truly why we do this.”  

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, it is critical to call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately.