Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee VA Emergency Department has been recognized for its commitment to the care of older adults, receiving a Level 3 (bronze standard) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation. This accreditation, awarded by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), indicates that the department meets high standards in caring for older adults.

According to ACEP, this recognition "signals to the public that your institution is focused on the highest standards of care for your communities’ older adults." The initiative to achieve such accreditation began in 2019 as part of a broader effort by VA emergency departments nationwide, acknowledging that over half of all VA emergency visits involve veterans aged 65 and above.

Mary Degenhardt, nurse manager for the Milwaukee VA Emergency Department, expressed pride in her team’s achievement. “I am so proud of this team that continues to raise the bar to accomplish excellence in care for our Veterans,” she stated. She highlighted how this accolade underscores their dedication to enhancing quality of life for older adults and contributes to an age-friendly healthcare system.

Geriatric patients often face multiple chronic conditions and complex challenges. The geriatric emergency departments focus on several best practices such as geriatric-focused education, interdisciplinary staffing, standardized approaches to common issues faced by seniors, and ensuring smooth transitions from emergency care to other settings like inpatient or long-term care facilities.

The ACEP offers three levels of GED accreditation with Level 1 representing the most comprehensive model. The criteria include best practices in screening, evaluation, treatment, environment of care, and transition processes which coordinate with both VA and community services post-discharge.

The Milwaukee VA Medical Center plans to celebrate this achievement with an event on May 6 at 3:30 p.m., featuring an announcement and a performance by the Dancing Grannies. Media interested in attending can contact the Public Affairs Office at vhamiwpublicaffairs@va.gov or call 414-382-5363.