Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center has been awarded Geriatric Emergency Department (ED) accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). This milestone recognizes the hospital’s specialized commitment to providing coordinated, high-quality emergency care tailored specifically to the unique needs of older patients.
The accreditation places Southern Ocean Medical Center alongside other elite facilities within the Hackensack Meridian Health network that hold this designation, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center.
Specialized care for a growing population
With Ocean County home to the largest senior population in New Jersey, this certification is a vital development for the region. Statistics indicate that approximately one-third of Ocean County residents are 60 or older, a demographic that frequently requires more complex emergency intervention due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
“With Ocean County having the largest senior population in the state, this accreditation is an important validation of the high-level care Southern Ocean Medical Center already provides to our communities,” Brian Walch, president and chief hospital executive at Southern Ocean Medical Center said.
Best practices in geriatric medicine
Geriatric EDs utilize standardized approaches designed to improve clinical outcomes for older adults. These include:
- Interdisciplinary Staffing: Specialized teams trained in geriatric-focused care.
- Enhanced Environments: Physical modifications to the ED and specialized supplies designed for safety and accessibility.
- Optimal Care Transitions: Streamlined processes for moving patients to inpatient care, rehabilitation, or community-based support services.
“ED visits for this population occur at a higher rate than for non-seniors, and these patients often require more complex care due to chronic conditions,” Dr. Paul Mastrokyriakos, medical director of the Emergency Department said. “At Southern Ocean Medical Center, our team is more than prepared to address these needs and continually strives to improve patient outcomes.”
A proven track record of excellence
This accreditation adds to a growing list of national honors for Southern Ocean Medical Center, which continues to demonstrate a high standard of safety and clinical quality. Other recent recognitions include:
- ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade (Spring 2026).
- Primary Stroke Center Recertification (The Joint Commission, 2025).
- American College of Cardiology (ACC) Heart Failure Center Gold Accreditation, including honors for stroke and Type 2 diabetes care.
- ACC HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence for cardiovascular care.
For more information on emergency services available through Hackensack Meridian Health, visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/emergency-care.
