Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, has earned Level 3 (Bronze) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) as part of the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program. This national recognition highlights Delray Medical Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, specialized emergency care for older adults in South Florida.
The GEDA program, developed by ACEP with support from the Gary and Mary West Health Institute and The John A. Hartford Foundation, recognizes emergency departments that implement best practices for the unique needs of older adults. The accreditation process evaluates staffing, education, policies, protocols, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and safety for seniors.
“At Delray Medical Center, we understand that caring for older adults requires specialized expertise and a compassionate approach that takes into account the complexity of aging,” said Heather Havericak, Chief Executive Officer of Delray Medical Center. “Earning this Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation reflects our team’s dedication to ensuring that every patient, especially our seniors, receives the highest level of care and support when they need it most.”
ACEP’s GEDA program promotes a standardized approach to emergency care for older adults, focusing on improved transitions of care, enhanced staff training, geriatric-friendly environments, and streamlined coordination with outpatient and community resources.
Level 3 (Bronze) accreditation indicates that Delray Medical Center meets essential criteria, including having both a physician and nurse with specialized geriatric training on staff, implementing geriatric-specific policies, and maintaining a continuous quality improvement process focused on senior care.
With this achievement, Delray Medical Center joins a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for advancing the quality and safety of emergency care for older adults, a rapidly growing patient population.
For more information about the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, visit www.acep.org/geda.
For more information about geriatric emergency services at Delray Medical Center, visit www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.
