Illinois approves SBL cardiology, bed expansion | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Illinois approves SBL cardiology, bed expansion | Courtesy of Shutterstock
A new heart center and 20 extra beds will come to Mattoon’s Sarah Bush Lincoln (SBL) facility, thanks to recent approval of the $31 million project from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.
SBL was found to qualify for all criteria necessitating the improvement with resounding support from both authorities and community stakeholders.
“We’re thrilled with the board’s decision, and we are confident that this project will address the cardiovascular needs of our community and give use some much-needed additional beds,” Director of Planning Erica Stollard said.
The four-story annex will comprise over 65,000 square feet. With financing through bonds, cash, pledges and gifts, the state-of-the-art addition is anticipated to be complete by December 2019. The heart center addition will be constructed adjoining the existing facility on the southeast side of the campus, with a new elevator, cardiac exam and testing rooms, and office space.
Stollard noted that cardiology care at SBL has increased steadily since the facility established a partnership with the Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois. Additionally, the facility as a whole has experienced significantly increased inpatient surgical admissions during the last year.
Presently, interventional cardiologist Dr. Amit Dande, cardiologist Dr. Thomas Cahill and APN Allison Gough staff the heart center. A third cardiologist, Michael LaMonto, plans to join them in the fall to provide invasive cardiology support.
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