Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital Awarded Recertification as Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center from Joint Commission

GREENSBURG, PA, September 30, 2026 … – Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital has earned Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Heart Attack Center Certification.

Westmoreland Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Primary Heart Attack Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, Joint Commission. “We commend Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital for using Joint Commission’s certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“This recertification demonstrates Independence Health System’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of healthcare, quality, and safety for our patients and employees,” said Mary Elizabeth Kovacik Eicher, MD, MPH, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Independence Health. System. “We thank Joint Commission and the American Heart Association for its dedication to the cardiac healthcare community and the patients served. This distinction represents the diligence and patient-centered care that Independence Health System’s providers and staff express every single day.”

For more information, please visit www.independence.health or www.jointcommission.org.

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About Independence Health System

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.