Editorial

HEART PROGRAMS OFFER HIGHEST-QUALITY CARE

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Good examples of Cape Girardeau's prominence in health care are the heart programs at Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. The first open-heart surgery here was performed 15 years ago at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Since then, both hospitals have developed outstanding programs that attract patients from all over the area.

The development of open-heart surgery marked a major milestone in health care. While heart disease continues to be widespread, advancements in life-saving treatment have been monumental.

As with many other invasive procedures, doctors now rely heavily on computers for delicate functions in the operating room. Keeping up with this technology isn't easy. And it's obviously very costly. But both hospitals have made a commitment to equip their heart centers with the latest and most advanced equipment.

Having skilled heart surgeons is another top priority. Cape Girardeau has some of the finest in the profession. With the support of the hospitals, these physicians have the tools they need to make the most of their highly specialized skills.

Cape Girardeau's reputation as a heart-medicine center is well-deserved. Hundreds of lives have been improved as a result of the programs at our very own hospitals.