New Vascular Center at Silver Cross Hospital Offers a Convenient, More Relaxed Setting

For several months, Kevin Ebert had to visit the interventional lab at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox weekly to have fluid drained from his abdomen for a chronic condition. 

“First, I had to find a place to park, which if I didn’t get there early, could mean quite a hike,” said Ebert, 54 of New Lenox. 

“Then, after check-in, I’d have to wait; they wanted me there an hour before my appointment. And with all kinds of procedures going on, there was a lot of activity.” 

Convenient, Relaxed Setting

As of October 1, all that changed when the quality care he received moved to the new outpatient Heart and Vascular Center on the second floor of the Silver Cross Procedure Center at 678 Cedar Crossings Drive on the New Lenox campus. 

The first-of-its-kind outpatient center at Silver Cross features the very latest Siemens technology, 6 pre- and post-procedure rooms and the most talented team of professionals anywhere. 

Ebert, as it turns out, was the first patient at the new center, which Manager Brandy Underhill let him know by gifting him a Silver Cross cooler bag filled with goodies. 

Ebert already was impressed before walking in for his procedure that day. 

“First, they want you there only a half hour before, and parking is so close and easy. Then, you walk in, and everything is nice and new.” 

And quiet. There are only a handful of procedures done by one of the Silver Cross Interventional Radiologists, all of whom are familiar with each patient, said Underhill, Manager of Interventional Lab/Cardiac Diagnostics. 

Easier Scheduling, Less Wait

Physicians at the new center are dedicated to the procedures scheduled for that day, meaning their procedures will be easier to schedule and less likely to be interrupted due to unexpected emergencies within the hospital setting. 

A separate facility for outpatient procedures also means less exposure to hospital-acquired infections. And more personal time with each patient. 

“With fewer procedures going on, there’s less hoopla, and the time spent with each patient is so much more efficient and personal,” Underhill said. “And since most patients come in regularly, staff will hear about vacations, kids, grandkids.” 

Ebert appreciated more quality time with the staff during his procedures. Following a procedure at the main hospital, he no longer has to go in weekly for fluid drainage. But he’ll stop by for a check-up. 

Underhill, who – like the doctors – splits her time between the clinic and the main hospital – has heard good responses from many patients at the new facility. 

“One patient told me her son had to drop her off at the hospital for her weekly procedure, go to work, and then leave work a couple hours later to pick her up,” she said. “Now, he can come in with her, wait during the procedure, take her home and go to work. It’s so much easier for these patients and their families!” 

The new center offers a variety of treatments, including minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures such as paracentesis, port insertion and removal, and other ultrasound-guided procedures; cardiac catheterizations; and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), one of the most common cardiac procedures performed to reopen obstructed coronary arteries. 

To learn more, visit silvercross.org