Reading Hospital Foundation recently announced that it is halfway toward its goal of raising $2.1 million to outfit a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab). A Cath Lab is where interventional cardiologists perform minimally invasive tests and procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. In recent years, the Reading Hospital has seen the number of heart and vascular patients rise and a new, state-of-the-art Cardiac Cath Lab will help meet the growing need.
“Heart disease is the number one cause of death in our county,” said Earl Hope, MD, Chief, Division of Cardiology at Reading Hospital. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of cardiac patients in recent years and are currently performing approximately 2,500 cardiac procedures each year.”
The new Cath Lab will allow clinicians to work more efficiently, reducing procedure times, and allowing for more patients to be diagnosed and treated each day. Older equipment does not provide the high-quality imaging needed to perform delicate procedures such as mitral clip and device implantations. The new Cath Lab will help meet the increased technical demands of procedures, while emitting almost 50 percent less radiation, making these procedures safer for the patients and staff.
To date Reading Hospital Foundation has received a total of $1.15 million from 57 donors. Most recently, The Friends of Reading Hospital (The Friends) committed $150,000 and the Foundation received a matching grant from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation (The Stabler Foundation) for the new Cath Lab.
“I thank The Friends and The Stabler Foundation for their donations as they have officially put us over the halfway point of our fundraising efforts and confirm we are able begin construction this fall,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation President.
“The Foundation raises money to support areas of innovation, education, and research and the new state-of-the-art Cath Lab will assist in all three of those areas. Our patients will have access to the best technology and our residents and fellows will have the opportunity to learn from highly experienced physicians in a brand new lab.”
Sharon Keating, The Friends President stated, “The Friends of Reading Hospital are proud to provide the matching grant. This new Cath Lab aligns with our mission to support Reading Hospital and our commitment to a HeartSAFE Berks County.”
Individuals interested in donating can visit towerhealth.org/RHFoundation, click “Make a Gift,” and select “Cardiac Catheterization Lab” for the Gift Purpose drop down menu. Each gift will help enhance the quality of care provided and overall well-being of our community.
“Reading Hospital is committed to have a top-tier Cardiac program,” added Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “With an additional lab our skilled interventional cardiologists can expand our program and offer the latest technology to provide life-saving care close to home. I thank all The Friends of Reading Hospital, The Stabler Foundation, and all our generous donors who are making this possible.”
