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Ralph Helps Fellow Mayors Welcome New Heart Center

By Jason Norman
February 23, 2005

It was a meeting of the mayors Tuesday as the top officials of the region welcomed the area's first cardiac surgery ward.

Bon Secours-Columbia University Heart Institute in Portsmouth was joined at the ceremony by Suffolk Mayor Bobby L. Ralph, mayors Dalton Edge, Chesapeake; James Councill, Franklin and James Chapman of Smithfield. Other officials at the event included Portsmouth Vice Mayor William Moody, Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors member Thomas Wright and Dallas Jones, representing the Southampton board.

Ralph joined officials in applauding the center's opening.

Staff photo/By Jason Norman Suffolk Mayor Bobby L. Ralph presents a gift to Sister Rita Thomas for the Bon Secours -Columbia University Heart Institute in Portsmouth Tuesday afternoon.

"We hear people talk about golden years," Ralph said, "but for me, this is a golden day. With the heart and medical problems that we have in this area, having this professional cardiac care center located in our backyard will do light years for Suffolk."

Ralph presented Sister Rita Thomas, the center's Sister President, with a silver cup inscribed with the Suffolk seal for placement in a time capsule.

Western Tidewater, which includes Suffolk, has the state's highest rate of heart disease-related hospitalization and disease, particularly among blacks, who are most likely to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

"I'm thrilled to see this building going up behind us," said Dr. Eric Rose of Columbia University, whose center performed a quadruple bypass surgery on former President Bill Clinton in September, "but I'm even more thrilled about what's going to be going on inside.

"The incidents of heart disease in this community is high, and we believe that this center will have a dramatic impact on the community. We're ecstatic to be able to offer this."

After the opening of the second cardiac catherization lab and cardiac catherization holding area, a cardiovascular surgeon will be on-site by this summer. A second surgeon will be in place by the fall, at which point the new wing will be opened.

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com

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Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a leading health care organization known for providing care for the whole person with grace and clinical distinction. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, primary care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities to provide quality health care services to the residents of Hampton Roads. Bon Secours, which employs more than 4,500, includes: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center and St. Francis Nursing Center.

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