Media Release

CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Ph.D. 401-222-2231
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: August 23, 2000

Department of Health Approves Landmark Hospital Cardiac Services ; Decision Promotes Access to Cardiac Care

Providence—Today, the Department of Health (HEALTH) announced approval of Landmark Medical Center’s application to establish comprehensive cardiac services. The new program includes cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and open heart surgery.

Landmark Hospital developed its application in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP). According to Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of Health, "Beth Israel Deaconesss and the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians bring the expertise in operating comprehensive cardiac services, including the ancillary support services and the quality assurance structure. HEALTH’s approval requires fulfillment of this partnership." Dr. Nolan went on to say, "This is a real opportunity to expand access to cardiac services for Rhode Islanders."

This is the first application for tertiary care services since the Department of Health adopted new hospital regulations on comprehensive cardiac services. These regulations established service volume minimums and other quality standards. The review of the Landmark application paid special attention to the process of achieving the volume and quality standards.

The approval conditions require Landmark Hospital to establish the diagnostic cardiac catheterization program and bring it into operation. Landmark and its partners must demonstrate implementation of the clinical, management and quality assurance functions before beginning the angioplasty and cardiac surgery services.

Approval of the Landmark cardiac services proposal with performance based conditions is in the best interest of Rhode Islanders. This program addresses the goal of providing Rhode Islanders with reasonable access to quality health care services at an affordable cost.

Department Approval with Conditions