The decision by Ascension Wisconsin to shutter the cardiac catheterization lab at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee's north side has sparked a vociferous response from the community and local officials. Milwaukee Alderman DiAndre Jackson has been vocal in highlighting the potential for dire consequences following the closure, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond his 7th District and impacts the wider Milwaukee region. In response to the move, residents will now be faced with an extra 15 to 20 minutes of travel for critical heart care to alternative facilities like Froedtert, St. Mary's, or St. Luke’s, as reported by TMJ4.
During a meeting with Milwaukee Common Council, Daniel Jackson, president of Ascension Health Services, cited shortages in the healthcare workforce as a rationale behind the closure. A troubling statistic was brought forward by Milwaukee Fire Department's Assistant Chief David Hensley, who stated, "Every 30-minute delay in cath lab access, there’s a 7.5% increase in mortality is what happens," according to WISN. This statistic is particularly concerning given that the lab service shutdown is estimated to affect around 100,000 people, 74,000 of which are African American.
The sense of urgency and concern was echoed by Milwaukee Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, who recounted personal anecdotes of how St. Joseph's cath lab had previously saved the lives of her parents during cardiac emergencies. "St. Joseph saved both my parents' lives. My dad had a heart blockage and I got him to the hospital and then my mom suffered a heart attack and my brother got here to the hospital," Taylor told FOX6. Her experience highlights the palpable fear among residents about the increased risks posed by the lab's closure.
However, despite these concerns being aired in multiple forums, no concrete solutions have yet emerged. "I just want to clarify something that we did have a meeting with them earlier this week. There were no solutions that were come up with during that the time. I just don't want to misrepresent that solutions were brought to table and that we came up with solutions that were going to help," admitted Hensley in his interview with WISN.
