In August, Saint Mary’s Hospital opened a new Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center at 1320 West Main Street in Waterbury. Conveniently located off I-84 with plenty of free parking and first-floor accessibility, the center features state-of-the-art technology and an experienced staff, who perform a full range of cardiac testing services.

“The Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center is the newest addition to the Saint Mary’s network of Outpatient Services, which is providing patients with the care they need in the communities where they live and work,” said Michael Novak, Vice President of Operations and Ambulatory Care. “Our services range from physical therapy and walk-in centers to occupational health care, sleep testing, cardiac testing, X-rays and imaging.”

The new Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center is adjacent to the newly expanded cardiology practice of Dr. Paul Kelly and Dr. Peter Chien. Both are board-certified in cardiovascular disease.

“With the expansion of our cardiology practice and this new diagnostic center, we are continuing to build on a tradition of excellence in cardiac care established by Dr. J. Robert Anthony,” Dr. Kelly said.

Dr. Anthony, who maintains his hospital-based practice as Chief of Cardiology at Saint Mary’s Hospital, is a pioneer in cardiology who introduced the Heartmobile and collaborated with the State Police to transport patients via helicopter. “We are proud to be following in his footsteps,” Dr. Chien said.

So much of what happens in cardiac care is time-dependent, the cardiologists said. Having immediate access to diagnostic testing and procedures that require accurate and rapid interpretation offers advantages for them and their patients.

“For example, if a patient comes in with a heart murmur, it would be important to find out in a time-sensitive way whether the patient has valve disease. Instead of scheduling a test at the hospital, which takes two to three days and the patient has to drive downtown, we can do that today right next door. The time savings to the patient is a huge advantage and clinically, it’s an even greater advantage,” Dr. Kelly said.

Patients also benefit from the experience and professionalism of the center’s staff. “We recently took care of a physician, who was a patient here. He told me the staff in this office is the most caring, competent group of people he’s ever seen in an office before. I think that was very high praise,” Dr. Kelly said, adding, “The staff here is just phenomenal. Their expertise is one of our greatest assets.”

For an appointment, call (203) 709-7300.