The Tennessee Heart expansion project celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon.
The expansion doubles the size of the Cookeville facility and puts all of the Cookeville Regional cardiology resources under one roof. Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Debbie Baker said a center like this has been a dream for nearly two decades.
“We were outgrowing the other space,” Baker said. “Very much outgrowing it. Our patient volumes are increasing. We just needed to have more space to add more equipment so we could bring more patients in at the same time and grow the program without having such a backlog of patients waiting to get in the program.”
Baker said the program has seen steady growth over the last several years, and the previous rehab space was becoming too cramped. Baker said patients have responded well to the changes.
The previous rehab space was located on the lower floor of the old wing. Baker said it was much smaller and darker than the new facility.
Cardiologist Dr. Stacy Brewington said the heart program was built and grown by high-quality physicians, and he is proud of the quality of care patients at Tennessee Heart receive.
“Our cardiac rehab patients take pride in the program that we have,” Brewington said. “Certainly our staff does. I think the cardiac rehab staff and the program that’s been built here is second to none. The nurses and the director and the technicians are very proud and very committed. And so to have a space that matches their commitment is a good feeling, and I think our patients will see that and recognize that this is a first class program.”
Brewington said having high quality heart care in the region is essential, since every second counts in emergencies like a heart attack.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Timothy Powell said the new space has made everyone’s job easier.
“Our staff has more room to do what they need to do,” Powell said. “We have more exam rooms so we can keep the patient flow efficient. The waiting room is much nicer and it doesn’t get overcrowded. It just helps us keep on time and keep things moving.”
Cookeville Regional Medical Center CEO Buffy Key said she is pleased with the partnership between the hospital and Tennessee Heart.
“The access for the community is everything,” Key said,
Baker said seeing the project come to fruition is a pivotal moment in her career.
“[Friday], I’m retiring,” Baker said. “This was a project I’ve worked with Dr. Bruwington on for over a decade to get this accomplished.”
Members of the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce and elected officials from the city of Cookeville, including Mayor Laurin Wheaton, attended the ribbon cutting.
