A major renovation project recently completed in one of UM Shore Medical Center at Easton’s two cardiac catheterization labs has facilitated state-of-the-art improvements in cardiac care provided by UM Shore Regional Health. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the newly upgraded lab on February 7.
“The improvements in our cardiac catheterization lab are an investment in the heart health of our region,” said Ken Kozel, UM SRH President and CEO. “These renovations enable our highly skilled cardiology team to continue offering the outstanding cardiac care that our communities have come to expect from UM Shore Regional Health.”
Initiated in October 2022, the renovations include upgrades to the catheterization lab’s fluoroscopy machine, repairs to the duct work and ventilation system, painting, replacing the floors, and upgrades to the control room. New technology included in the renovation reduces radiation emissions, which results in a safer work environment for the devoted physicians and cardiac catheterization team members who have been providing care to our community for years.
“Those of us involved in this complex renovation project are committed to the goal of offering state-of-the-art cardiac specialty care and grateful that UM Shore Regional Health continues to invest in our technology and our work environment,” said Hilary Schmitt, Heart and Vascular Center Director of Operations.
The project represents a $2.5 million investment in the hospital’s Cardiac Intervention Center (CIC) designation, which the hospital first received in 2018 and is renewed every five years. The CIC was reaccredited in April 2023.
“When UM Shore Regional Health built the cardiac catheterization laboratory in 2017, it immediately changed health care on the Eastern Shore, from a heart health standpoint,” said Jeffrey Etherton, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. “Since then, this program has helped to save approximately 1,000 lives with emergency treatment for heart attack victims. This newly upgraded lab means our cath lab is the newest and most state-of-the-art lab in Maryland. It has better imaging equipment, less X-ray exposure and includes diagnostic technology that assists the cardiac team in treating coronary artery disease. What a gift to the community from our leadership and the University of Maryland Medical System.”