The foundation of CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska, has received a $12.6 million donation to advance women’s health in south central Nebraska. The anonymous gift from a private foundation is the largest single donation in the CommonSpirit Health hospital’s history.
The funds will benefit cardiovascular and maternity care at Good Samaritan.
A phased renovation will update the hospital’s interventional cardiology suites. Work will begin in the spring with the installation of advanced imaging and guidance equipment. In addition to the cath lab, the hospital’s cardiac care program includes noninvasive cardiology, vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Upon the donor’s request, Good Samaritan will name the interventional cardiology suites in honor of Dr. Daniel J. McGowan, an interventional cardiologist at CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute. McGowan has practiced in the community for more than 25 years.
Construction to update the hospital’s maternity center will begin in the spring as well. The redesigned space will include a surgical suite and 11 birthing suites with a large whirlpool bath and sleeping accommodations for family members. Updates also will include a new waiting room and refreshment center for visitors. The renovation also will create a private entrance and add a surgical suite.
In line with the donor’s request, the hospital will rename the maternity center for Dr. Dennis L. Edwards, who was one of the pioneering pediatricians in the region, a press release about the donation says. He accompanied a sick infant on the inaugural flight of Good Samaritan’s medical helicopter service. He later worked at Good Samaritan as an anesthesiologist, physician leader and vice president of medical operations before retiring.
Cindi Richter, director of the Good Samaritan Foundation, says in the press release that “this incredible gift will ensure the best care for new mothers in our community and (for) the unique heart care needs of all the women in our lives.”
The release says cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, including during pregnancy and postpartum. It often goes underdiagnosed and untreated. Only a fully equipped cardiac cath lab can provide the necessary real-time diagnosis and intervention capabilities to address the problem, the release says.