SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL SEEKS NEW CATH LAB

Southeast Missouri Hospital wants to replace its oldest cardiac catherization lab.

The hospital has filed a letter of intent with the staff of the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. Approval from the state board is needed before the project can proceed.

The state board last month cleared the way for St. Francis Medical Center to add a second cardiac catherization lab, despite opposition from the Southeast Missouri Business Group on Health and the committee's own staff.

Opponents said there was no need for another cardiac catherization lab in the area. But Jim Wente, Southeast Hospital's administrator, said there is a difference between the St. Francis project and the one at Southeast.

"We are not adding a cath lab, simply replacing equipment that is 10 years old," he said.

The Business Group on Health hasn't taken a formal stand on this request. But its executive director, Mary Dunn, said the business group has been on record for some time as opposing additional catherization labs while supporting needed replacement of equipment.

The catherization lab began operating at Southeast Hospital in 1984. A second unit was added six or seven years ago.

But the older unit is used the most, Wente said. "Sixty to 70 percent of the cardiac work is done on this unit."

Wente said the machine has performed well over the years, but because of its age there is increased down time and maintenance involved in keeping it operating.

"To try to deal with major repairs is just not economical," Wente said.

The new lab is expected to cost about $1.6 to $1.8 million. The hospital has set aside money for the project.

Wente said the project likely will be approved by the state board early next year, and the equipment should be installed by May or June.