10 years of the Gill Affiliate Network: Bourbon Community Hospital
The Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Affiliate Network launched in 2014 to better connect community hospitals across the Commonwealth with the expertise and resources available at UK HealthCare. Throughout 2024, UK HealthCare is highlighting achievements by the 23 members of the Gill Affiliate Network (GAN) as part of the network’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Bourbon Community Hospital, located in Paris, Ky., joined GAN in August 2021. The 58-bed acute care facility has a staff of 140 physicians covering 22 specialties. The hospital’s cardiology services include diagnostics, heart health education and management of chronic heart conditions.
What are key aspects of your cardiovascular program that people should know about?
Bourbon Community Hospital has recently expanded its cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services with a new, larger facility on campus. This expansion allows patients in the community to receive high-quality, comprehensive care without needing to travel to larger cities.
The rehabilitation programs typically last 12 to 18 weeks, with patients attending two to three times per week. These programs are crucial for individuals recovering from conditions such as heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart failure and even COVID-19-related lung damage.
How has being a part of the Gill Affiliate Network influenced how you care for those in your community?
Bourbon Community Hospital has had a highly positive experience collaborating with the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, especially in terms of supporting our role as a rural community hospital. The expertise and resources provided by GAN have been instrumental in strengthening our cardiovascular services. This partnership allows us to offer advanced cardiac care that might otherwise be difficult to access in a rural setting.
Our frontline staff benefit greatly from the continuing education opportunities provided through GAN. This collaboration gives our healthcare team access to advanced training, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest innovations and best practices in cardiovascular care. By participating in regular educational sessions, such as webinars and hands-on workshops, our staff can enhance their clinical skills, improve patient care and deliver cutting-edge treatments within our rural community hospital.
Are there specific examples of support you received through the network that made an immediate impact?
We’ve received robust support from UK HealthCare, especially as we recently onboarded a new cardiologist to serve Bourbon County. Their guidance and resources have helped ensure a smooth transition, allowing us to enhance our heart care offerings locally. The close collaboration between our staff and the experts at Gill fosters an environment of shared learning and patient-centered care, elevating the overall quality of service we provide.
