As the need for timely and quality life-saving heart care services continues to grow, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital is responding most recently with the successful completion of a $8.5 million expansion project. The project, completed over the past two years to avoid patient disruption, was supported by a $3 million gift from the Michels family. Members of the Michels family, as well as Agnesian HealthCare Foundation and SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac physicians and leaders, recently celebrated this milestone with a ribbon cutting and tour. This is the second large donation supporting heart care made by the Michels family, first in 2006 when the family gifted $1.5 million to help launch the Dale Michels Center for Heart Care, now SSM Health Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care. Both donations honor the legacy of Dale Michels – owner and president of Michels Pipeline Construction, Inc. – who died at age 65 following a heart attack in 1998. “We have seen such positive response from the local community from people who have used the Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care and can also see that it really helps to have a presence here so local residents don’t have to travel out of the area to get world class heart care,” according to Pat Michels. “Having experienced the original heart care services with our father many years ago and to see what is available here today is truly amazing,” Pat adds. “I was impressed with the efficiency in the way the cath labs are set up and how many people can be served right here in Fond du Lac.” Kevin Michels concurs. “Our father passed away 26 years ago from a heart issue. It became clear at the time that there was a void in first class cardiac care in the Fond du Lac area. Fortunately, for our community, cutting edge care is now available right here in Fond du Lac. “The team and equipment here at SSM Health in Fond du Lac is very impressive,” Kevin adds. “I could not believe the high level of technology that is being used here at the Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care.” Since 2006, SSM Health Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care has grown immensely, becoming a destination for cardiovascular excellence, performing both vascular and structural heart care. It has become the fastest growing and third largest WATCHMAN program in Wisconsin and now performs all structural heart procedures, beside heart transplant. “The Michels family donation has helped established a one of its kind program in a city this size, providing most cardiovascular services with the exception of transplant and pulmonary hypertension,” according to Tadeo Diaz Balderrama, MD, SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic Cardiovascular Services chief. “Their continued support has impacted thousands of lives and continues to provide improved access to cardiovascular care to the city and the surrounding communities. “Their impact is visible to our patients,” Dr. Balderrama adds. “Our highly skilled and compassionate team is committed to continuing to provide evidence-based cardiovascular care locally, often eliminating the need to travel for these vital services.” The expansion has helped reduce wait times for heart procedures and maintains a continuum of care where patients can receive comprehensive heart care in one location. Now completed, the Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care now features a new Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, three additional prep/recovery rooms, renovated reception area, new private consultation room, expanded employee spaces to better accommodate increased staff sizes, aesthetic improvements to Intensive Care Unit and a new, semi-private family waiting area. The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. In Wisconsin, one in three deaths are caused by heart attack or stroke. When cardiac emergencies occur, having quality care close to home is critically important to positive and long-lasting outcomes by providing immediate and lifesaving intervention. “Cardiovascular disease will a play a major factor in many lives for years to come with an ever-increasing aging population,” says Shawn Fisher, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation executive director. “The demand for quality heart care in Fond du Lac has outgrown original resources. “We have added expert providers, innovative and advanced technologies, and now much needed additional space,” Fisher continues. “The Michels’ family generous, philanthropic gift, is making a direct impact on the Fond du Lac community and will contribute to saving the lives of our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.” To learn more, visit https://www.ssmhealth.com/
