House Republican Press Release

July 23, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Hails Cardiac Care Approval for Waterbury and St. Mary’s Hospitals

NAUGATUCK—State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo (R-70^th, Naugatuck) hailed the state’s approval of expanded cardiac care services at St. Mary’s and Waterbury Hospitals to serve patients with heart problems from throughout the region.

“I am ecstatic about this decision,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “It is an absolutely critical step forward in providing appropriate health care in our region.”

The State’s Office of Health Care Access today authorized St. Mary’s and Waterbury Hospitals to expand cardiac care services, including angioplasty and open-heart surgery. Rep. DelGobbo noted that these services had previously been available only in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and the UConn Medical Center in Farmington.

Rep. DelGobbo was among area legislators who had participated in a public hearing and urged residents to voice their support for this application. “There has been broad public support for this application,” Rep. DelGobbo said, “and we are grateful that approval has been granted.”

“Heart problems are a major health risk and frequently a life-and-death issue for many people,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “It was an absurd state of affairs to put the lives of our residents in jeopardy by having to be transported so far away.”

Rep. DelGobbo said, “I am extremely pleased by the decision, and I look forward to seeing these new services in our area.”

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.