By guest columnist Andy McDonald
Officials and healthcare professionals gathered at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony, unveiling a new state-of-the-art nuclear medicine camera that will save lives through early detection of heart disease and cancer.
The equipment was purchased through a $350,000 federal grant facilitated by Congressman Andy Barr with the assistance of the city of Berea.
A statement from Saint Joseph Berea noted the cutting-edge equipment represents a significant advancement in diagnostic imaging, allowing radiologists and oncologists to capture high-quality, real-time images. The tests are conducted faster than other diagnostic methods, enhancing patient comfort and care. The new camera will assist in diagnosing various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer, and will enable more personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life, the statement said.
Saint Joseph Berea President John Yanes said the new technology is important because it will enable patients to receive a diagnosis closer to home.
“Saint Joseph Catholic Health always seeks to find ways to bring access to care in the community, and to do that as close to home as possible,” Yanes said. “Collaboration is one of our values, and Congressman [Andy] Barr and his team worked with Mayor [Bruce] Fraley to facilitate this. This is really state-of-the-art technology that patients previously had to leave their community to access.”
Congressman Barr, who has served as the U.S. representative from the sixth district since 2013, said the technology will benefit citizens in Berea and beyond.
“We are grateful for this blessing for the citizens of Madison County and the surrounding community for this nuclear medicine camera that will significantly increase the capabilities of this hospital to provide diagnostic early detection for diseases, allowing life-saving intervention,” Barr said.
With Congressman Barr’s support, Saint Joseph Berea received the grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The hospital provided approximately 10% as a cash match for the grant, a Saint Joseph press release stated.
Mayor Fraley stated that access to good health care is a critical element of a community’s quality of life, something made more possible with the availability the new nuclear camera in Berea. The city facilitated the receipt of the federal funds, making it possible for the hospital to acquire the camera.
“I often say that city government is in the business of improving the quality of life of citizens, and there’s no better way to improve the quality of life than to save life,” Fraley said. “That’s what this will do, so we [the city] were all in from the beginning.”
Because the hospital serves several surrounding rural counties, Fraley noted the availability of the diagnostic tool has the potential to help many who might be intimidated by the prospect of driving to Lexington for a diagnosis.
“This is not just for the citizens of Berea,” Fraley said. “This hospital serves a much broader region, including people who have transportation issues, and people who actually have a fear of driving in Lexington traffic. Having this type of quality health care close to home is critical, and I compliment everybody involved.”
Saint Joseph Berea Cardiovascular Services and Nuclear Medicine Director Rhonda McMaster said the equipment is also a game-changer because it will help prevent false positives, thus saving the hospital and patients time and money, since they won’t have to endure further tests or treatment. Most important, McMaster said, the tool will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, which could mean years of extra life for some patients.
“We’re in the business of saving lives here. If we can save just one patient, then that’s what we’re called to do,” McMaster said. “If we can identify those at risk early on, preventative medicine is the best medicine. Early detection saves lives.”
Also in attendance at Thursday’s ribbon cutting was Berea City Councilman and Economic Development Committee Chair Jim Davis, who stated the development is a positive for citizens for both their health and pocketbooks.
“The best part of it is that people won’t have to travel to get the care they need,” Davis said. “It’s life-saving because if you catch these issues early, they’re treatable. It’s saves money, and it saves lives.”
