HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Meritus Medical Center Emergency Department has been recognized by the American College of Emergency Physicians for providing excellent care for older adults.

The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation gives emergency doctors, nurses and hospital leaders clear goals to help them provide better care for older adults. The accreditation program includes more than 24 best practices for caring for older patients.

Meritus achieved the bronze standard, Level 3, in line with its designation as a Level 3 trauma center.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our emergency medicine team and their focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to older adults," said Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., president of Meritus Medical Center. "As our community continues to age, it is important that we provide care environments, clinical expertise and support services tailored to the needs of older patients and their families."

The accreditation was awarded through the American College of Emergency Physicians' Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program, which recognizes emergency departments committed to meeting the unique needs of older patients.

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, Meritus' accreditation reflects its commitment to the highest standards of care for older adults in the community. The achievement was led by an interdisciplinary team that included Amy Capone, Haley Loeser and colleagues from across the organization.

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Meritus Health is powered by nearly 5,000 people — more than 4,400 employees, 230 medical students and over 250 volunteers — to be the best community-based academic health system, working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve in Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.