Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, announced today the opening of the new Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion. The completion of the 75,000-square-foot, three-story building was celebrated with public officials, construction representatives, healthcare partners, and community members on Thursday, February 15.
The new building, funded by a $77 million investment from Duke LifePoint Healthcare, is the region's only facility offering centralized and technologically advanced cardiac services for both inpatient and outpatient care. Rodney Reider, CEO of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and Market President, Conemaugh Health System, highlighted the pivotal role of the 1889 Foundation, based in Johnstown, in supporting the cardiovascular expansion project, stating, "A trusted community partner, the foundation ensured that all financial commitments made in 2014, when Conemaugh Health joined Duke LifePoint Healthcare, were met during the capital deployment decisions."
The modernized facility will consolidate several surgical services for improved efficiency, including an expanded central sterile department near operating rooms. Inpatient and outpatient surgery will be on one floor, and a new ambulatory staging unit will facilitate patient transitions from pre-op to recovery. The Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion will also house enhanced imaging services including interventional radiology, pre, and post-procedure holding rooms, and radiography and fluoroscopy rooms for inpatients. Additionally, it will include a vascular lab, offices, a cardiac diagnostic center, echo procedure rooms, nuclear medicine cameras, treadmills, and offices for cardiothoracic surgery physicians.
"As we evolve to meet the changing needs of our patients, the Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion will help us continue to grow our services in the region while delivering the highest levels of care” said Reider. "This significant investment in our campus and community is another way by which Conemaugh and Duke LifePoint are delivering on our mission of making communities healthier while strengthening our role as a leader of healthcare in west central Pennsylvania."
Elmer Polite, president of Lifepoint Health’s Eastern Division, emphasized the commitment to community investment, stating, "Duke LifePoint is committed to investing in our communities and ensuring that our facilities have the technology, equipment and resources they need to provide the highest quality care for patients."
The opening of the facility underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing quality cardiac care and accessibility to Johnstown and surrounding communities. In 2015 Conemaugh Health performed the region's first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. In 2023, Conemaugh Health was selected as one of only two hospitals in Pennsylvania to offer advanced, next-generation heart valves and implanted the world’s smallest and leadless pacemaker.
“Conemaugh Health System is staying ahead of the curve by offering our patients the latest and best valve technology available,” said Dr. Savas Mavridis, cardiovascular surgeon with Conemaugh Health System. “We are thrilled to have been selected for the initial release of the next-generation valve technology which will improve the lives of many people in our community.”
Additionally, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-2024 Best Hospitals list as a High Performing hospital for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Stroke, and Diabetes—the highest distinction in the Procedures & Conditions ratings.
Merle Miller, a 102-year-old recipient of the system’s first TAVR valve, shared a videotaped message at the opening. “Eight years ago, the doctors at Conemaugh saved my life. Otherwise, I was licked. I just couldn't go anymore,” Miller shared. “I am still able to mow my grass. I cut about three acres or a little better. I’m doing pretty good!”
For more information about the Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion or cardiovascular services at Conemaugh Health, visit Conemaugh.org.
