ELKINS, W.Va. (November 12, 2026) – Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center has earned Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing specialized, age-friendly emergency care for older adults.
The accreditation recognizes emergency departments that have implemented practices designed to address the unique needs of older patients. Bronze accreditation requires geriatric-focused care processes, designated physician and nurse leaders with specialized education and ongoing efforts to measure and improve care.
“Older adults deserve emergency care that considers their individual needs and supports their independence and well-being,” said Diana Landsverk, RN, BSN, MBA, chief administrative officer of Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center. “This accreditation reflects our emergency department team’s dedication to providing compassionate, quality care for older patients and peace of mind for their families.”
“Treating older adults often requires us to look beyond the condition that brought them to the emergency department,” said Chris Conrad, DO, emergency department director at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center. “Understanding how a patient’s medical history, medications and daily support needs affect their health helps us make informed care decisions and plan for what comes next.”
Bronze accreditation supports a coordinated approach to caring for older adults, with trained clinical leaders guiding geriatric care initiatives and monitoring opportunities for improvement.
“An emergency department visit can be especially stressful for older adults and their caregivers,” said Natalie Kniffen, MBA, MSN, RN, director of nursing-emergency and trauma services and trauma program manager at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center. “We want patients to feel heard and families to feel informed. Clear communication and attention to each patient’s comfort and needs are essential to that experience.”
Davis Medical Center joins Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center in Morgantown and Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood as accredited geriatric emergency departments, further strengthening access to age-friendly emergency care across Vandalia Health’s northern region.
For more information, visit DavisHealthSystem.org.
Davis Health System
Davis Health System, part of Vandalia Health, is a regional health system headquartered in Elkins, serving the communities of central West Virginia. It operates Davis Medical Center, Broaddus Hospital, Webster Memorial Hospital, and Buckhannon Medical Care, along with a network of outpatient clinics and specialty care centers. For more information, call 304-636-3300 or visit davishealthsystem.org.
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