On Wednesday, April 5, Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) officially announced
the completion of a new heart center to better meet the growing demand
for these services. The center is part of a larger construction project
that also includes an expanded Emergency Department.
Led by CVHS President and CEO Dennis Johnson, the ribbon-cutting featured
representatives from the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, CVHS trustees
and medical staff, Catawba Medical Foundation, local leaders, and Rodgers
Builders of Charlotte handled construction. Special recognition was given
to Bob and Michele McCreary, who helped make the center possible through
a significant gift to CVHS.
The unveiling showcased how all heart and vascular services are in one
area of the hospital with a short transport route from the Emergency Department.
Expanded cardiac catheterization labs will more efficiently treat growing
numbers of cardiac patients and can accommodate electrophysiology, invasive
radiology and vascular procedures.
“Access to invasive labs internal to the ED improves heart attack
response from ‘door to procedure,’ which supports our Chest
Pain Accreditation standards,” said Chuck Scronce, CVHS administrator
for the Cardiac and Emergency service lines. “Other changes include
the relocation of our existing invasive labs, which will improve diagnostic
services. The new heart center also has a dedicated care team with prep
and recovery patient bays to better accommodate patient safety.”
Within Catawba County, CVHS administers care for the highest number of
cardiology inpatients, according to Johnson. “This new heart center
will often be the front door to those inpatient services,” he said.
“With the volume of cardiovascular cases we already see, plus the
addition of this new heart center, we have positioned ourselves as what
we call the ‘The Heart of the Community.”
CVHS employs 12 physicians and advanced practice providers at its Catawba
Valley Cardiology practice and is in expansion mode itself, according
to Vincent Pompili, MD, medical director of the practice. “Physicians
want to deliver care in an organization that actively invests in only
the best equipment and facilities,” Pompili said. “And our
patients tell us they want the best care possible close to home. The expertise
of our medical staff and the opening of the heart center ensure that level
of care is delivered to our community for many years to come.”