FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTH BALDWIN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Contact: Janis Weaver, Director of Marketing
251-949-3479

February 20, 2008

FOLEY, AL (FEBRUARY 19, 2008) – South Baldwin Regional Medical Center will hold a groundbreaking ceremony, Wednesday Feb. 20. 2008 at noon for the expansion of its Heart Center located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. The expansion will incorporate a new vascular lab and will better centralize the existing stress, echo and cardiac catheterization labs. The new facility will be known as the Heart and Vascular Center.

"We are proud, once again, to break ground on a new endeavor and expand service offerings to this great community, all while creating a welcoming and efficient environment that will exceed your expectations. Our immediate focus is Quality Care, Close to Home, and we are pleased to share in this opportunity with you," says Interim Chief Executive Officer Michael Neuendorf.

The new vascular lab will feature advanced equipment designed to diagnose and treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PVD occurs when cholesterol builds up in an artery forming plaque which decreases or blocks blood flow in an artery. This blockage then leads to decreased blood flow to the legs. The lab will feature a Toshiba Infinix DP-1 with flat plate technology, which allows physicians to obtain high quality images. Area physicians who will be using this new technology and the other expanded services at the heart and Vascular Center include: Dr's Bunch, Dearing, Stinbaugh, Buckley and Hakmiller from Cardiology Associates and Foley Vascular Surgeon Dr. William Garretson.

Nationally know cardiologist Dr. Frank Bunch states "This center will bring much needed expanded services to the South and Central Baldwin communities and further aid our fight against cardiac and vascular disease. This center is just the beginning." And Dr. Karl Hakmiller speaking on behalf of the Cardiology Associates physician group states "Cardiology Associates is proud of our partnership with South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and congratulate them for continuing to improve the quality of cardiovascular services available in Baldwin County. This center is a very exciting advancement as it will provide our patients the very latest in cardiac and vascular services."

Patients of the center will see reduced waiting times for procedures along with flexible scheduling for their convenience. The Heart and Vascular Center features the only accredited echo lab in Baldwin County. The Intersocietal Commission of Accreditation accredits it for Echocardiography Laboratories.

The Heart and Vascular Center has been recognized as one of only 118 hospitals for success in using the American Heart Association's Get With The Guideline quality improvement program.

1613 North McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535