East Georgia Regional Medical Center announced Friday it is expanding its cardiovascular services. According to a release from the hospital, EGRMC will invest more than $11 million to renovate and expand its cardiac catheterization laboratories.
The release stated that project will increase the hospital's capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, while using advanced technology to support physicians and clinical care teams.
"Since 2019, our community has experienced meaningful growth, and we see that reflected daily in the patients who trust us with their care," said Stephen Pennington, chief executive officer of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. "Our focus remains steadfast on providing exceptional, compassionate care to every individual who walks through our doors. This $11 million investment gives our growing community access to a safe, advanced environment for healing, allowing us to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southeast Georgia families right here at home."
A cardiac catheterization laboratory, or "cath lab," is a specialized hospital facility where physicians perform minimally invasive procedures to treat cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, vascular disease and cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
"Our mission is to elevate the standard of clinical excellence and healthcare delivery across the entire region," said Dr. Alan Scott, chief medical officer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. "This expansion will provide advanced, comprehensive medical intervention to local patients. By broadening our specialized operational capacity, we are strengthening the continuity of medical care available to our community."
According to the release, the facility upgrades feature:
➤ Full renovation and footprint expansion of the hospital's two existing cardiac catheterization laboratories
➤ Eight new patient bays dedicated exclusively to pre-procedural preparation and post-op recovery space
➤ A new, modern waiting area serving cardiac care and diagnostic imaging patients and visitors
➤ Upgraded procedural rooms that allow medical teams to seamlessly transition between diagnostic and therapeutic treatments
➤ Next-generation technology designed to increase imaging clarity while reducing radiation exposure for patients and staff
"This expansion is a massive leap forward specifically for our heart patients and cardiac care teams," said Tonya Eagle, director of cardiovascular services at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. "It directly elevates the safety and scope of what we can achieve in acute cardiac care."
The Cardiovascular Services Department will remain fully open and operational throughout construction, the release stated. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2027.
Pennington said the expansion is part of EGRMC's broader long-term strategy to enhance local patient care. In recent months, the hospital has invested more than $17.5 million in advanced technology, medical equipment and facilities.
"These facility enhancements solidify our role as the region's anchor healthcare provider," Pennington added. "Every renovation, equipment upgrade, and square-foot expansion reflects our commitment to providing safe, dependable and high-quality care to our neighbors. As our region grows, we will continue expanding our services and facilities so East Georgia Regional remains fully prepared to meet the needs of the communities we serve."