On Thursday, September 26, 2024, a ribbon cutting was held at McLeod Regional Medical Center (MRMC) to dedicate the newly remodeled Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). CVICU is a twelve-bed unit dedicated exclusively to the care of open heart, thoracic and vascular surgical patients. 

“Today, we celebrate the opening of the new CVICU,” said Will McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of MRMC. “This unit originally opened here at MRMC in 1986 and has been the cornerstone of our Heart and Vascular program since then. We would like to thank the staff and physicians for their dedication, commitment and support in ensuring that patients get the best care every day.

“As we gather here today, we see how this modern new unit is an illustration of the commitment to our mission and an honor to the legacy of our Heart and Vascular Program. I would also like to thank Nursing Director Sandra Bazen for 32 years of service to CVICU and her leadership during the remodel,” added McLeod.

“The goal for the design of the patient rooms was to provide as much space as possible for the patients and additional clinic space for the staff,” said Amanda Butler, Vice President of Heart and Vascular Services. “Each patient room also includes new state-of-the-art cardiac monitors that provide real-time, accurate data, allowing healthcare providers to respond promptly to changes in patient conditions thereby improving overall enhanced quality of care. These monitors were funded in part by donations made to the McLeod Health Foundation.”

Caption: Dr. Alan Blaker, Dr. Srinivas Kolla, Sandra Bazen, Amanda Butler and Will McLeod cut the ribbon to the newly remodeled Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center.