St. James Hospital in Butte receives re-accreditation affirming cardiac care standards

The American College of Cardiology recently recognized Intermountain Health St. James Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients experiencing chest pain and heart attack symptoms.

The Butte medical facility achieved Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Re‑Accreditation following a rigorous onsite evaluation confirming the organization’s sustained excellence in rapid, evidence‑based cardiac care.

According to a hospital spokesperson, this re‑accreditation reaffirms St. James’ ability to quickly evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, and demonstrates continued adherence to the ACC’s stringent quality standards.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. Symptoms can vary between men and women but typically include chest pain, arm or jaw discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or cold sweats.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, is a nonsurgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals accredited as Chest Pain Centers with Primary PCI must provide PCI 24/7, maintain a dedicated call team, implement standardized Chest Pain Center protocols, and support robust post‑cardiac arrest hypothermia programs.

“St. James has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to providing the people of southwest Montana with outstanding heart care,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.

Karen Costello, president of St. James, said this achievement highlights the hospital’s cardiovascular care team’s dedication to delivering rapid, lifesaving care.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and clinical excellence of our cardiologists, emergency department providers, nurses, technicians, and the entire St. James cardiovascular team,” said Costello.