Methodist Southlake highlights new cardiac designation, faster emergency response and regional expansion

Methodist Southlake Medical Center President Benson Chaka updated the Southlake City Council on March 3 about the hospital’s recent quality achievements and service expansions. Chaka said the hospital recently received a 4‑star CMS quality rating and a Leapfrog safety grade of A, and he highlighted new cardiac capabilities that keep more patients in town rather than sending them elsewhere.

"We earned our primary heart attack center designation," Chaka said, noting the hospital obtained the certification roughly 18 months after starting a cardiac program in Southlake. He told the council the hospital’s average door‑to‑balloon time — the interval from patient arrival to opening a blocked artery — is about 60 minutes, compared with a 90‑minute national standard.

Chaka described operational growth at the Southlake campus: 54 beds, multiple operating rooms, a cath lab and an emergency department expanded to 12 ER beds. He also said the hospital’s transfer rate is roughly 2 percent, with most transfers involving pediatric or behavioral‑health needs. Chaka said Methodist is adding outpatient access points in the region and opening satellite urgent‑care and clinic locations to serve Northeast Tarrant County.

A patient testimonial included in the presentation described arriving by ambulance with chest pain and being taken immediately to the cath lab. The speaker said a cardiologist introduced herself and the team reassured him throughout care and rehabilitation.

Council members thanked hospital leadership for the investment in local care and praised the SRO and EMS coordination that help deliver timely cardiac care. No formal action was required or taken during the presentation.

The hospital also described community partnerships — sponsorships of local events, school engagement with Carroll ISD and charitable work with area organizations — as part of its community presence in Southlake.