Officials at Garrett County Memorial Hospital have announced Monday, June 2 as the date for groundbreaking for a new, four story addition to the facility immediately followed by the Grand Opening of the Hospital’s new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center.
“This represents two milestones for Garrett County Memorial Hospital. The four-story addition and renovation project at Garrett County Memorial Hospital will modernize the facility and improve the community’s access to health care. The new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center provides access to a healthcare service that has not been available in the area,” explained Mark Boucot, Hospital President/CEO.
The new cardiac rehabilitation services are designed for those who have chronic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cardiac Heart Failure (CHF) or have had a recent cardiac event such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, heart stents, heart valve replacements, or transplant. The new pulmonary rehabilitation service was developed for those who have COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung transplant, and other chronic lung conditions. “The new center will allow for patients to be proactive in managing these diseases and will help to keep patients out of the hospital and lead a better life through healthy diet and exercise,” stated Dr. Johnson from Garrett Medical Group.
Kendra Thayer, RN BSN, program director, cites the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that heart and lung disease are among the leading causes of death in our nation. “Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are an invaluable way to learn how to manage chronic conditions while also decreasing the risk of having a more severe event related to these conditions that could lead to a hospitalization,” stated Ms. Thayer.
The Hospital’s construction-renovation project includes a 19,504 square foot expansion along with renovations to one third of the current Hospital space. Most of the patient care services will be impacted and improved as a result of this $22 million expansion project. “This project will position Garrett County Memorial Hospital to further expand upon services and provide greater access to healthcare to the community close to home,” concluded Boucot.