Reunion Marks Cardiac Unit Opening

December’s official opening of the Advanced Cardiac Therapy (ACT) Unit reunited former patients with their physicians and nurses to recognize the newly specialized floor and the exceptional care that is now being provided in one inpatient location.

Lynne Stevenson, MD, director of Heart Failure, began the formal remarks at the Dec. 7 event. “This is an exciting day that represents the culmination of years of hard work from a dedicated team of clinicians. But most importantly, the ACT represents how we are now able to treat a disease that was once thought of as an end,” she said.

“This pod is designed for patients with active and acute conditions, who anticipate a major change in their therapy,” said Kenneth Baughman, MD, director of Advanced Heart Disease. This population includes patients requiring major changes in their therapy including new medications, pacemakers or state-of-the-art cardiac surgery, including valve repair, ventricular assist device (VAD) insertion or heart transplant.

Baughman explained that many of 12A’s patients that are awaiting heart transplants have received a VAD as a life-saving bridge to their ultimate therapy.

Greg Couper, MD, surgical director, Cardiac Transplant and VAD Therapy, was also on hand at the opening. “The modern care of a heart failure patient requires an integrated program that involves a vast array of specialists, nurses and physicians. 12A will now offer all that in a more centralized manner,” he said.

At the event, Baughman acknowledged that numerous individuals were responsible for making the ACT unit a reality. “I thank BWH for their continued support, not just for us as specialized caregivers, but for our patients, who require such high level care,” said Baughman.