Lourdes Receives Generous Gift for Two Hybrid Operating Rooms

Retired surgeon, Dr. Wally Montgomery and his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Montgomery have pledged a $200,000 donation to the Lourdes Foundation.  This generous gift will be used toward the funding of the hospital’s new cardiac and endovascular hybrid operating rooms.  The new cardiac hybrid operating room will be named the Montgomery Cardiac Hybrid Operating Room in honor of their contribution.

“We are very grateful to the Montgomerys for making this commitment to our cardiovascular program,” says Lourdes President and CEO, Steven Grinnell.  “Their support has been vital to the success of our expansion project.  With the new hybrid operating rooms, our specialists are equipped to provide the most advanced care available, regardless of what cardiovascular condition presents in our facility.”

“Lourdes means so much to us and to this community,” says Gerry.  “Because of our personal experiences and involvement at Lourdes, we’re pleased to help ensure that Lourdes continues its tradition of outstanding care.”

Lourdes holds a special place in the Montgomerys’ hearts.  Gerry, former mayor of Paducah and new chairperson of Lourdes’ board of directors, had three valve surgeries starting from the 1980s.  And just last year, she was in Lourdes for treatment of arrhythmia.  The cardiac hybrid facility will allow patients like Gerry to receive the newest, most advanced treatment options available for valve disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Dr. Wally Montgomery has also turned to Lourdes for his healthcare needs, undergoing bypass surgery at Lourdes about ten years ago.  He serves as vice-chair of Lourdes Foundation’s board of directors and was instrumental in helping Lourdes receive approval for the hospital’s open heart surgery program.

“As a surgeon, I appreciate the investment Lourdes is making in their technology and treatment protocols which mean that, in less than 60 minutes, patients have had a cardiac catheterization and are ready to have surgery if necessary,” says Dr. Montgomery.  “And with the new hybrid operating room, the surgical procedures can be performed in the same room and immediately following the heart cath.  This is an exciting advancement in medicine and a tremendous benefit for patients.”

Lourdes is proud to be the only hospital in Kentucky, and one of only a few locations in the country, to offer both cardiac and endovascular hybrid operating rooms.  The new cardiac and endovascular hybrid operating rooms will be located inside the hospital.  Construction began in the spring of 2011 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.