CPRC also offers patients customized recovery plans following heart or lung surgeries, procedures or health events

By Heather Thomas, UCBJ Associate Publisher 

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC), in partnership with Tennessee Heart, marked a major milestone yesterday with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of two newly renovated and relocated facilities.

The 20,000-square-foot Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center (CPRC), an American Association of  American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) certified facility and the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery Office (CVSO),  which will serve as the primary practice site for CRMC’s highly regarded surgical team is a significant investment in the health of the Upper Cumberland region relaying a “strong commitment to advancing cardiovascular and pulmonary care.”

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing facility and talented health care professionals here in Cookeville. This expansion improves access to care which is everything,” said Buffy Key – CEO of CRMC.

The CPRC also offers patients customized recovery plans following heart or lung surgeries, procedures, or health events and an affordable wellness program to support long-term health. The addition, which will bring both clinical services and an affordable wellness program aimed at supporting long-term health and lifestyle change, brings the total square footage of the Tennessee Heart facility to 43,000. The new state-of-the-art facility will also be home to Dr. Billy Parsons and Dr. Michael Sywak. These board-certified specialists bring years of experience and a deep commitment to providing advanced surgical solutions close to home.

Dr. Stacy Brewington told the community partners, health care leadership, patients and staff gathered he was proud of the project and the team that made it happen.

Dr. Timothy J. Powell also spoke at the event, thanking the community and partners for their support.

Leadership and Vision

Debbie Baker gave an emotional address to the crowd. She has been a tremendous force on this project over the past decade and thanked the leadership and staff for the opportunity to serve. Her highly acclaimed career and body of work is to be congratulated as she slides into retirement. Baker passes the baton to Hillary Flatt, the new Director of the Rehabilitation Center. Flatt will guide this vital program as it grows and evolves to meet the changing needs of the community.

With heart disease and pulmonary conditions among the leading health challenges in Tennessee, the new center empowers patients with the tools, support, and care needed to recover and thrive. As the ribbon fell and applause rang out, the message was clear: Cookeville is investing in a healthier tomorrow.

Congratulations to the CRMC team, Tennessee Heart, the health care specialists, and the support staff whose work made this day possible.

UCBJ photo.

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