Heart and vascular patients have access to state-of-the-art treatment with the addition of a new cardiac catheterization lab at Franciscan Health Hammond.
Staff gathered for a blessing on Aug. 21 with Franciscan Health Hammond President and CEO Patrick Maloney thanking those who lobbied for the new cath lab, where advanced imaging equipment is used to visualize the heart and arteries. “I couldn’t be more proud to stand in this room,” he said. “Thank you each and every one of you for all you do for us and especially our patients.”
Kevin Roesch, administrative director of cardiovascular services, said the lab’s Philips Allura system is state of the art and a vast upgrade for the hospital. “First, it provides enhanced image quality; second, significant reduction in radiation for patients and the staff. We will have the capability to do more complex cases in this room based on the arrangement and flexibility of the equipment,” he said.
Mark Booth, cath lab and non-invasive and cardiac rehab manager credited Tonn and Blank Construction for their timely construction during the COVID-19 pandemic “and working with us each and every day to make sure we could take care of our patients as they did their work.”
“I’m so proud that you have this opportunity to work in a space that has the best technology possible and a good working environment,” Booth said. “To provide our community with this type of service, this type of lab, is really, really important. We have great people, we have great equipment.”
Roesch echoed praise for the details in the lab, including a unique light grid that can provide the variable brightness needed during procedures.
Father Theodore Nordquist, spiritual care services at Franciscan Health Hammond, led the services and performed the blessing.
