Expanded cardiology services come to the South Coast, July 24

Patients with heart rhythm disorders will now be able to receive a higher level of care closer to home, with the addition of on-site electrophysiologists to the Bay Area Hospital’s Prefontaine Cardiovascular Center. New electrophysiology services will include a clinic for patients to be evaluated for the implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). For patients needing such a device, implantations will now also be performed on-site. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this expanded range of coverage for our cardiology patients,” said Barbara Bauder, Bay Area Hospital spokesperson. “Keeping care local is a priority and with this expansion we can now offer an even greater range of services within our community.” “We believe strongly that care should be delivered locally, so that patients can be near their families and support networks,” Chris Berry, director of cardiac services for Oregon Heart and Vascular. “This expansion is part of on-going collaboration with the Bay Area Cardiology Network to bring the highest level of cardiac care to residents of the South Coast.” The electrophysiologists from Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center will be on-site on a weekly basis performing consultations in the morning and procedures in the afternoon.