SPRINGFIELD - Crozer-Keystone Health System’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, which is based at Springfield Hospital, was recently recertified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The three-year reaccredidation recognizes that the program has been reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of care. 

“We are very proud of the nurses in our Cardiac Rehab Department that have attained this certification. AACVPR certification denotes that our Cardiac Rehab Unit and its nurses have met the standards required to be an outstanding Cardiac Rehab Center,” says Mary Jane McDevitt, R.N., B.S., CDE, director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and program coordinator for the Crozer-Keystone Center for Diabetes.

The program was first certified in 2003 and then again in 2006. The recertification in 2009 takes on a special meaning because it is the first one since the hospital-based CKHS cardiac rehab programs merged into one program. The certification recognizes those programs rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of care.

Part of the recertification process includes a review of patient education programs, patients’ benefits and outcomes, equipment maintenance records and emergency procedures, treatment plans, physician involvement and the program’s support of patient nutritional and psychosocial needs. The entire process takes several months to complete. The program’s four nurses — Brenda Maginnis, Veronica Navazio, Valerie Fusco and Geri Edwards — participated in the recertification process.

“I’m pleased that we have been recognized for the quality of the cardiac rehabilitation program at Springfield Hospital. I credit the hard work and care of our nursing staff. I look forward to continuing this service for the betterment of our cardiac patients,” says Domenic Pisano, D.O., medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

The AACVPR is the leading professional organization dedicated to the development of its members who are involved in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Founded in 1985, the AACVPR encourages the professional development of its members, while improving the quality of life for patients and their families. The AACVPR is a national multidisciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve. 

For more information or to request a cardiac rehabilitation appointment, call (610) 328-8764.