Cardiac_Cath_Lab

Cardiac_Cath_Lab

Mather was one of three Northwell Health facilities to receive approval this year from the New York State Health and Health Planning Council to establish cardiac catheterization labs. Lenox Health Greenwich Village and Plainview Hospital also received approval, expanding access to critical cardiology services in Manhattan and Long Island.

“Our goal when we joined Northwell Health two years ago was to continue to make Mather a better hospital,” said President Kenneth Roberts. “We are doing just that. With Northwell’s guidance and the diligence of our Mather team, Mather received approval from the New York State Department of Health to provide advanced cardiology programs that include cardiac catheterization, PCI and electrophysiology services. Approximately 150 patients every year are transferred from Mather or St. Charles to have these services elsewhere. Mather is now proceeding with the construction for these vital programs which will be open in early 2021.”

Mather Hospital’s $11.4 million, 3,644-square-foot addition will include catheterization and electrophysiology labs. Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart and treat any narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis) or other abnormalities. A catheter – a thin, hollow tube – is inserted into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. The catheter can accommodate instruments such as those measuring the pressure and blood flow in the heart, and can be used to inject contrast, if needed.

The Department of Health, citing increased demand along with advances in technology and safety, approved the new cardiology services as part of integrated regional health care networks that are anchored by large academic medical centers. The state requires the new labs to perform a minimum of 36 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) a year.

According to CNO/Vice President for Nursing Marie Mulligan, Nicole Hoefler, BSN, RN, CVN was named nursing director for the new lab and began her new role March 2. Nicole comes to Mather from Long Island Jewish Hospital. Among her first priorities will be recruiting and training nursing and technical staff to work in the lab.

Moving forward, the hospital will be working on a final overview of construction plans and beginning site work for the lab and seeking final approval from the Village of Port Jefferson.