MIDLAND, Mich., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MidMichigan Health has announced a $57 million construction project of which $30 million is dedicated to a new Heart and Vascular Center on the campus of MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland. Recently named one of the nation's 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics^TM, the three-year expansion coming to the Medical Center in Midland is slated to begin in fall 2017. The project is pending certificate of need approval from the State of Michigan.

"With heart disease currently the leading cause of death in men and women both regionally and across the United States, we need to be well equipped to fight this disease," said Diane Postler-Slattery, Ph.D., FACHE, president and CEO, MidMichigan Health. "We are committed to creating a premier Heart and Vascular Center that will offer world-class clinical care in a patient and family-friendly environment.

The new 160,000-square-foot building, to be located at the corner of Sugnet Road and Orchard Drive, will consolidate Midland's off-campus cardiology offices along with the non-invasive cardiovascular testing and interventional surgical heart and vascular services. An additional $27 million will fund an added expansion to the building to incorporate MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland's full-service diagnostic and support areas, including lab and imaging. MidMichigan is also collaborating with Michigan Medicine, the health care division of the University of Michigan, on the development of the remaining space in the new building.

According to Postler-Slattery, the new center will make a strong impact on the local economy. "The presence of a regional heart center such as this increases the attractiveness of a community for employers seeking to recruit or to retain highly skilled employees. In addition to this benefit of a healthier workforce, this helps local employers compete in a growing, competitive market.

MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland has been continually advancing its heart and vascular capabilities since the open heart surgery program began in August 2007. In fact, MidMichigan has had more than 65,000 outpatient visits and more than 3,000 inpatient discharges. The cardiovascular program accounts for 59 percent of MidMichigan Health's inpatient volume.

"Time is muscle and when it comes to caring for the heart, every second counts. Having all of our services under one roof will provide an environment of seamless, coordinated care for our patients," said Cardiovascular Service Line Chief William Felten, M.D., F.A.C.C. "The proximity of services for our patients will also improve workflow efficiencies, communication and care delivery for our health care providers and staff. But, more importantly, it keeps our patients close to home, close to their loved ones and those that mean the most."

Features of MidMichigan's comprehensive cardiovascular program include:

• A multidisciplinary team of experienced heart and vascular specialists, including more than 33 physicians and advanced practice providers serving a 22-county region. This team includes cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, structural heart specialists, electrophysiologists, as well as vascular, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons.
• Advanced technology found at large academic medical centers, including state-of-the-art operating rooms and catheterization labs, a hybrid OR room, electrophysiology labs, as well as fully accredited non-invasive vascular and echocardiography labs.
• Non-invasive diagnostic cardiac testing at 11 locations, with advanced diagnostic procedures offered at MidMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare and Midland.
• A full range of minimally invasive interventional procedures, as well as advanced open heart surgery, lung surgery, elective angioplasty and complex vascular procedures including abdominal and thoracic aneurysm repair and surgical treatment for thoracic outlet and subclavian steal syndromes.
• A robust electrophysiology program performing device implantations, complex ablations and laser lead extractions.
• A Cardiovascular Research Department which conducts Phase II and Phase III clinical research trials, as well as outcome studies.
• An advanced Heart Failure Clinic to help patients manage congestive heart failure.
• A Regional STEMI Alert Program which has been recognized with the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award two consecutive years.
• A Heart Valve Clinic and Structural Heart Program designed to evaluate and treat aortic stenosis with advanced procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
• Cardiac rehabilitation at six convenient locations and cardiac home health covering a 17-county region.
• A "Healing Hearts" Support Group geared towards helping individuals who have had coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty.

"Our vision is to become the region's designation of choice for heart and vascular care and be recognized for our excellent clinical outcomes and patient experience," continued Dr. Felten. "This Center will help to make this possible for our patients in the regions we serve and throughout the state of Michigan."

As part of the building project, the current Sugnet building, also known as the original Midland Hospital, will be demolished in order for construction on the new Heart and Vascular Center to begin. Demolition is slated for later this summer.

Those interested in more information on MidMichigan's comprehensive cardiovascular program may visit www.midmichigan.org/heart. 

MidMichigan Health is a non-profit health system, headquartered in Midland, Michigan, affiliated with Michigan Medicine, the health care division of the University of Michigan. Recently named one of the nation's 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics™, MidMichigan Health covers a 22-county region with medical centers in Midland, Alpena, Alma, Clare, Gladwin and now Mt. Pleasant. In addition to its Medical Centers, MidMichigan Health also offers both home health care and physician services. MidMichigan Physicians Group provides urgent care and medical offices in more than 32 specialties and subspecialties including cardiology, hematology/oncology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, family medicine and more. The MidMichigan Health Foundation raises funds to support equipment, services and programs for patients and families served throughout the health system. MidMichigan has more than 7,200 employees, volunteers and physicians and provided $84 million in community benefits in fiscal year 2016.

Media Contact
Millie Jezior
Public Relations Manager
MidMichigan Health
Phone (989) 839-3351
millie.jezior@midmichigan.org
www.midmichigan.org/newsroom

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SOURCE MidMichigan Health