August 26, 2025 – NCH Baker Hospital Downtown has received the Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), a prestigious recognition that affirms the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care for the community.

Hospitals earning this accreditation undergo a comprehensive, multi-phase evaluation process. This includes a gap analysis, variance reviews, and an on-site assessment to ensure compliance with strict evidence-based guidelines. The rigorous process is designed to help facilities implement best practices, streamline processes, and enhance patient outcomes for those experiencing chest pain or potential heart attacks.

Primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter to place a stent and open blocked coronary arteries. Accreditation in this area demonstrates that NCH is equipped to rapidly diagnose and treat heart attack patients, reducing time to treatment and improving survival rates.

“This recognition from the ACC reflects our unwavering focus on improving heart care for our community,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. “It’s a testament to the skill, dedication, and teamwork of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to provide world-class, lifesaving care.”

The American College of Cardiology awards the Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation to hospitals that demonstrate expertise in every phase of acute cardiac care, from early evaluation to advanced treatment and rehabilitation.

“Meeting these rigorous standards ensures that every patient who comes through our doors with chest pain receives the highest level of evidence-based, timely care,” said Dr. Robert Cubeddu, President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “This achievement is a direct result of our commitment to saving lives and improving heart health in Southwest Florida.”

For more information about the NCH and its cardiac services, visit www.nchmd.org.

ABOUT NCH

NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 50 Hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds – NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top three in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.