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In the news...
Cath Lab Dedication Held at Jennings American Legion Hospital
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06/27/08 |
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A ribbon cutting was held on June 27 for the new cath lab at Jennings American Legion Hospital, an addition to the hospital that will make quality health care more accessible to residents in the Jennings area. The cath lab officially opens on July 7.
“We are proud to bring the very latest in technology to the patients we serve in this area,” said Terry Terrebonne, CEO of JALH during the dedication of the new lab. Richard Gilmore, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Jennings Hospital Cath Lab echoed Terrebonne’s assessment. “They didn’t cut any corners with the equipment or the staff. Both are top-notch. They absolutely went about this the best way,” said Dr. Gilmore. “Previously, residents had to travel to Lake Charles or Lafayette to receive diagnostic treatment provided with a cath lab. This meant traveling away from home, away from family, and away from their support system. Now, it’s available close to home.”
Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish spoke during the dedication about the cath lab’s impact on the community. “Without a good hospital, a community lacks a vital component for a strong foundation. Thankfully, that’s not the case here in Jennings. This is a first class hospital and this new Cath Lab is one more example of making quality health care accessible to this area. Projects like these provide opportunities for our young people to stay in this area and grow in their careers. It brings young doctors to this area who are looking to raise their families here and become part of the community. A hospital is much more than bricks and mortar.”
Cath labs have become a prime tool for visualizing the heart and blood vessels in diagnosing and treating heart disease and cardiovascular concerns. Cardiac catheterization is when a narrow tube, called a catheter, is inserted into an artery of the leg and passed through the blood vessel to the heart or the heart’s circulation. Passage of the catheter is monitored by a special x-ray camera on display above the patient so the physician and clinical team can easily monitor the progress.
Cath lab procedures don’t always directly involve the heart muscle. Often, blood vessels outside the heart can become blocked with plaque. This interferes with the flow of blood to the brain, legs, arms or kidneys. Diagnosing and treating these blockages can be done in the cath lab with equipment to help the physician get a clear picture of the vessels. Peripheral angiography and angioplasty are available at JALH to improve blood flow.
“With our cath lab, we’re able to visualize the heart and blood vessels to diagnose and treat heart disease right here at home,” said Kellie Leger, RN, Cath Lab Manager.
For more information about the new cath lab at JALH, call (337) 616-7360.
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