Phil Castle, The Business Times

Joe Gerardi knows what it’s like to receive treatment at the new cardiovascular procedure center at Community Hospital — albeit as a simulated patient rather than an actual one.

“The team was outstanding,” said Gerardi, chief operating officer and nursing officer at the Grand Junction hospital.

Gerardi participated in an exercise testing the center and staff before the official opening on June 1. Gerardi also participated in an event showing the center to local media.

The cardiovascular center is one of only five in Western Colorado and two in the Grand Valley, he said. “There’s definitely a need in the valley for this facility.”

The center, an $8 million project constructed on the main level of Community Hospital, offers a range of interventional and diagnostic care, including angioplasty, catheterization, pacemaker implantation and stress testing. The center includes a cardiac catheter lab as well as rooms for conducting stress tests and rehabilitation. 

The center also enables Community Hospital to further expand its service lines, Gerardi said. The center supports the hospital’s new cardiology program, called Grand Valley Cardiology, and two cardiologists — Dr. Richard Garmany and Dr. Todd James. A board-certified cardiologist, Garmany has practiced in the Grand Valley for nearly 14 years. An interventional cardiologist, James moved to the area in May to join Community Hospital.

Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, praised the effort. “We are extremely excited to open our new state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab as we expand our newest service line at Community Hospital with Dr. Garmany and Dr. James,” Thomas said. “Expanding our service lines and providing patients a choice as to where to receive health care locally has been a top priority, and we are humbled by the overwhelming support we have received over the years from patients and providers alike.”