Stephens County Hospital initiating major changes in Cardiology Care

Cardiac Care at Stephens County Hospital is undergoing significant changes under a new partnership with Northside Hospital Heart Institute, which will be providing cardiac care on site at the Stephen County Hospital Campus.

The partnership was announced at Stephens County Hospital Foundation’s Inaugural Gala in October, where Hospital CEO, Van Loskoski announced several upcoming initiatives – such as the Northside partnership and work toward earning a level 4 trauma designation – and reviewed recent accomplishments included the hiring of new general and orthopedic surgeons, the opening of clinics in Toccoa, Hartwell, and Rabun County, the opening of the hospital’s surgical pavilion, advancements in the hospital’s stroke treatment program, and the opening of the outpatient psychiatry clinic.

Since the October announcement of the partnership with the Northside HOspital Heart Institute, SCH and Northside have been working to implement improvements, Loskoski told Stephens County Hospital Authority Board members at a recent meeting. 

He also sat down with WNEG News following the December Authority Board meeting to provide details on the Northside partnership, and what it will mean for patients at the hospital.

 

He explained that the Northside Cardiology team, including those just approved for privileges, will be using currently-vacant clinic space on the SCH campus, with opening of clinic hours scheduled for January.

Loskoski said Northside will be wholly managing the cardiology program, but SCH is working jointly with Northside to recruit physicians to be part of the team.

There is an initial outlay, or investment, to creating the partnership, Loskoski said, but added that the cost is nothing compared to what it would be if starting from scratch. 

For more information, visit stephenscountyhospital.com.