10 Years of the Gill Affiliate Network: Clark Regional Medical Center

Members of the Clark Regional Medical Center cardiovascular team gathered for a photo in front of their signage.

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 as part of the network’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Clark Regional Medical Center became the second Gill Affiliate Network member on Aug. 1, 2014. Since 1917, it has served residents of east central Kentucky. In 2017, the hospital completed a 45,000-square foot expansion that allowed for clinic spaces dedicated to cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation and congestive heart failure.

What are key aspects of your cardiovascular program that people should know about?

Clark Regional Medical Center offers highly reliable heart care through a variety of monitoring techniques and non-invasive cardiology services. We understand that waiting is not an option, so having access to state-of-art treatments in Winchester is critical.

Our Cardiac Catherization Lab, which started providing services in January 2021, is instrumental in the treatment of coronary artery disease through minimally invasive techniques. Housed in a 2,500 square-foot building near our emergency department, we ensure convenient access to rapid evaluation for patients who experience a cardiac event.

Clark Regional Medical Center has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, which evaluates the quality of hospitals’ cardiovascular teams and their ability to care for patients with conditions that reduce blood flow to the heart.

Members of the cardiovascular team at Clark Regional Medical Center gather for a photo.

Ke'Onna Smith, a student, holds an oversized scholarship check for $500 awarded by Clark Regional Medical Center's heart program.
The Clark Regional Medical Center cardiovascular program last year awarded a $500 scholarship as part of an art show centered around heart care. This is now an annual event.

Since 2014, Dr. Charles Salters has provided cardiology support for the Winchester community through a professional services agreement with the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. This means that you have a UK physician embedded in your hospital and community full time. What has been the impact of this collaboration?

Dr. Salters provides a variety of services for our community, ranging from office care all the way to cath lab services. It is invaluable to have his expertise available on-hand right here in Winchester.

His presence is a constant reminder of the commitment we’ve made to our patients: to provide high-quality cardiovascular care as close to home as possible. Working with the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute makes that much more achievable.

“Working together with Gill allows us to work toward one common goal of providing excellent, efficient, cardiac care close to home. The Gill Affiliate Network offers opportunities for education and training, networking and collaboration that would otherwise be inaccessible to us. We are proud to be part of such a network that makes a difference for our community and patients. Happy 10-year anniversary — and here’s to many more together serving the cardiology needs of Central Kentucky!” — Matt Smith, CEO, Clark Regional Medical Center 
This content was produced by UK HealthCare Brand Strategy.

Topics in this Story

    Heart Health