In a move toward more equitable health care in South County, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) has now made cardiology services available to residents right on their doorstep. St. Louise Regional Hospital (SLRH) in Gilroy, alongside Valley Health Center (VHC) in Morgan Hill, is expanding its medical offerings, a game-changer particularly for the over 100,000 locals who've had limited access to specialized heart care in the past.
"For decades, South County has historically lacked equitable access to first-class healthcare in their own backyard," Sylvia Arenas, the Vice President representing District 1 on the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors, told the County of Santa Clara. This development means patients won't have to endure the hour-plus drive to San Jose, which was particularly taxing for the elderly, the overworked, and those managing childcare.
The range of diagnostic services now at South County's fingertips includes electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, and even ambulatory monitoring patches that patients can sport for up to two weeks, all aimed at diagnosing and managing heart diseases more effectively. "Expanding cardiac services at St. Louis Regional Hospital will improve outcomes for South County patients while ensuring specialized care is delivered where and when it’s needed most," James R. Williams, Santa Clara County Executive, explained, per the County of Santa Clara.
Notably, despite the introduction of these new services, patients requiring more intensive interventions will continue to have access to the broader SCVH cardiac care network. Dr. Sumit Sehgal, a board-certified cardiovascular disease specialist who consults at both SLRH and VHC Morgan Hill, has been recognized for his tailored, patient-centric approach. "We're bringing heart health care to our South County community so our neighbors, especially our older residents, no longer have to drive far for care," Gloria Dela Merced, a hospital executive for St. Louise Regional Hospital, told the Santa Clara County Newsroom.
