OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- Already recognized as having one of the top cardiac care units in the region, Ocean Springs Hospital has gotten even better with the unveiling of a $2 million expansion of its state-of-the-art heart catheterization lab.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its annual hospital rankings as among the best for the treatment of cardiac failure, the expansion, coupled with the opening of a new heart cath lab at Singing River Gulfport Hospital, makes Singing River Health System the most comprehensive cardiology program in the region.
Singing River CEO Lee Bond was among the hospital officials and cath lab members on hand to cut the ribbon on the Ocean Springs expansion Thursday morning. While acknowledging the investment in the expansion, he was quick to emphasize the best equipment isn’t worth much without outstanding people to use it.
“If I were to be terminated for some reason, I would still recommend to everyone, including my family, to come here to be treated,” Bond said. “With doctors like (cardiologist) Dr. (Ediz) Tasan, along with all you folks in Singing River blue -- the respect everyone has for you is immeasurable.”
There had already been an expansion of the cath lab at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, with SRHS completing the two expansions and the creation of the Gulfport facility in conjunction with its strategic partner Oschner Health.
“Overall, the investment in the new cath lab in Gulfport, as well as upgrades and expansions at Pascagoula and Ocean Springs, ensures we can increase our capacity to efficiently provide care to our local communities while offering an exceptional experience for patients and their families,” said Brenda Neal, Manager of Heart and Vascular Services for Singing River Health System.
A cardiac catheterization lab is a procedural hospital suite where minimally invasive tests and procedures are performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. The procedures involve tiny, flexible tubes called catheters, which can be used as an alternative to surgery to access the heart and blood vessels. Devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are also placed in patients in these suites.
“Teamwork always wins,” Bond said. “I can’t think of a place in the world I’d rather be a part of than Singing River Health System because of things like this -- to be able to invest in things to improve health and save lives. What more could we ask for?”