Some of the most vulnerable patients in the region are elderly adults, which is why Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is proud to announce its Emergency Department has received the Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). This marks a significant milestone in providing exceptional care for elderly adults in the region, addressing the importance of geriatric-oriented emergent care.
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 meet high standards of care for elderly adults. PMC’s achievement of the bronze standard, Level 3 accreditation, shows commitment to excellence in geriatric emergency care.
“This accreditation reflects our dedication to meeting the unique needs of aging patients with compassion, expertise, and innovation,” said Emergency Physician Dr. William Barrett Webb, who led the initiative with nurse leader Tara Newsome, RN, and an outstanding interdisciplinary team. “We are proud to be recognized for the quality of care we provide to one of the most vulnerable populations in our community.”
To earn the Level 3 designation, PMC implemented a wide range of best practices tailored to older adults, including geriatric-specific equipment, routine screening protocols, and ongoing interdisciplinary education. The GEDA program sets national benchmarks and guides emergency departments through structured improvements to ensure safer, more effective care for seniors.
Since 2014, ACEP and its partners, including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the American Geriatrics Society, have worked together to define and promote standards for geriatric emergency care. PMC’s participation in this accreditation program upholds the hospital’s mission to deliver advanced, patient-centered care in a rural setting.
“Elderly adults represent a growing and valued part of our community,” said Newsome. “This accreditation helps ensure we continue to evolve our emergency care to meet their complex needs with dignity and respect.”
As part of this national accreditation, ACEP will highlight PMC’s achievement through various outreach methods. Locally, PMC looks forward to sharing its commitment to geriatric care with the community and continuing to build on this important progress.
Pikeville Medical Center’s Emergency Department (ED) is a key component of critical care in Eastern Kentucky. As part of a 348-licensed-bed regional referral center, it operates 24/7 with numerous treatment beds, including 2 trauma bays and 3 triage bays. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team including ER and trauma physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, techs, social workers, and additional clinical support, the ED serves approximately 50,000 patients annually and serves a patient base of 450,000 people. The department is equipped with on-site digital X-ray, CT scanning, and dedicated lab services to ensure prompt diagnostics and interventions. PMC’s ED holds designation as a Level II Trauma Center.
In addition to its geriatric accreditation, it is recognized by the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services for Children (KYEMSC) as being “pediatric ready.” In 2020, it became the first emergency department in the state to earn Certified Autism Center™ status through IBCCES, signaling advanced training to serve individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.
