“To become an accredited chest pain center, Mercy Tiffin engaged in a rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack,” says Dale Thornton, president and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital. “This intense re-evaluation and refinement of heart care processes integrated the industry’s best practices and newest paradigms into Mercy Tiffin’s cardiac care services.”

Mercy Tiffin Hospital has received chest pain center accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide.

As an accredited chest pain center, Mercy Tiffin ensures that patients who come to the emergency care center complaining of chest pain or discomfort are given the immediate treatment necessary to avoid as much heart damage as possible. Protocol-based procedures developed by leading experts in cardiac care reduce time to treatment in the critical early stages.

“By becoming an accredited chest pain center, Mercy Tiffin has enhanced the quality of care for the cardiac patient and has demonstrated its commitment to higher standards,” says Steven Bruhl, cardiologist at Mercy Cardiology Specialists.

The chest pain accreditation team included emergency care center employees; Michael Fitzpatrick, medical director of Mercy Tiffin Hospital’s emergency care center; Megan Homan, chest pain coordinator; Sue Bigleow, manager of imaging services; William Ennis, chief of the Tiffin Fire Department; Laura Gaietto, nurse emergency care center manager; David Gardner, pharmacy manager; Catherine Gase, emergency care center nurse; Karen Gill, director of quality management; Travis Grasley and Chris Hafley of Tiffin EMS; Don Kelbley of Seneca County EMS; Pam Kin, laboratory services manager; Lecia Wadsworth, education manager; and Anne Zimmerman, chief nursing officer.

“The goal of Mercy Tiffin’s chest pain accreditation team was to enhance the cardiac care services a patient receives from the time they call 911 or arrive at our emergency care center,” says Ms. Zimmerman. “Mercy Tiffin’s emergency care team works seamlessly with area emergency medical services to ensure that patients get the treatment they need during the critical early stages of a heart attack.”

Hospitals that have received SCPC accreditation emphasize the importance of standardized diagnostic and treatment programs that provide more efficient and effective evaluation as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms. They also serve as a point of entry into the health care system to evaluate and treat other medical problems, and they help to promote a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to reduce the risk factors for heart attack.

“People tend to wait when they think they might be having a heart attack, and that’s a mistake,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. “The average patient arrives in the emergency department more than two hours after the onset of symptoms, but what they don’t realize is that the sooner a heart attack is treated, the less damage to the heart and the better the outcome for the patient.”

To Tiffin and the surrounding communities, Mercy Tiffin’s chest pain accreditation means that processes are in place that meet strict criteria aimed at:
• reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment,
• treating patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved, and
• monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly.

Precious Blood Father Harry Brown leads the seminar at the shrine’s Pilgrim Center. The program, which is from 1:30-3:30 p.m., covers many marital topics, including “The Secret of Staying in Love.”

Confessions are available after the program in the church and Mass at the shrine begins at 4 p.m. for those who wish to participate.

There is no cost to attend, however registration is requested. To register, contact the shrine office at 419-483-3435, ext. 101.

The group, led by Precious Blood Father Yuri Kuzara, meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning Feb. 16. The program begins with a presentation of the video “Catholicism” and continues with a study of “YOUCAT,” a youth catechism book distributed at World Youth Day in 2011.

Those interested in joining the study group are asked to register by contacting the shrine at 419-483-3435. The cost of the program is $15 for the book.

In this series, award-winning author, Franciscan Father Michael H. Crosby makes a strong case for moving from dominative ways of relating to building trust and collaboration, which leads to greater love and compassion in the world. These dynamics are applicable at all levels: personal, organizational and within families as well as in the workplace. Sessions include viewing of the DVD and group discussions.

The program is to be offered on Tuesdays from Feb. 28 to April 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the St. Francis Spirituality Center in Tiffin. The cost is $35, which includes all materials. For groups of six or more, the cost is $30 per person.

Registration by Feb. 17 is requested by contacting Jenifer at 419-443-1485 or peace@franciscanretreats.org.

Tiffin Franciscan Sister Jackie Doepker, community minister, looks forward to welcoming old and new friends to the sisters’ Mardi Gras event Feb. 18. (Photo courtesy of Tiffin Franciscan Sisters)

The event is to include live entertainment, dancing with the “stars” of Tiffin, traditional Cajun cuisine and drink, a live auction and mystery guests. Revelers will enjoy roasted Cajun potatoes, beignets, crab cakes, pralines, Cajun meatballs, Cajun deviled eggs, chicken, fresh fruit and King Cake. Hurricanes, wine and beer will also be served.

The event is to be held at the Elizabeth Schaefer Apartments auditorium, 190 St. Francis Ave., from 6:30-10 p.m.

Corporate sponsors include Linda S. Ritzler, CPA; Hempy Water Conditioning Inc.; Clouse Electric, Ltd.; Old Fort Banking Company; Jeffrey Jewelry; Quick Tab II; Viewpoint Graphics, Inc.; BJ Pallet; K.S. Wikoff; Lesher Printers; Diversified Graphics, Inc.; and Tiffin Scenic Studios.

Tickets are $30 each or two for $50 if purchased in advance.

Tickets are available by calling 419-447-0435 or may be purchased in Tiffin at St. Francis Convent; St. Francis Spirituality Center; Law Offices of Lange, Devine and Claus; Law Offices of Dell Burtis and Anspach; Office of Linda Ritzler, CPA; Knights of Columbus or Tiffin Ace Hardware.