By Martin Kidston/Missoula Current

Crews hoisted steel beams onto the roof of St. Patrick Hospital over the weekend, marking the start of a construction project that will expand the facility's International Heart Institute.

Stacy Rogge, the hospital's director of communications and external affairs, said the $2.7 million project will add 2,800 square feet to the roof of the hospital's third floor.

The addition will include six exam rooms, two procedure rooms, offices and storage.

She expects construction to be completed by the summer.

“As the leading cardiac program in the state of Montana, the International Heart Institute is serving more patients than ever before, and it needs space to provide award-winning care,” Rogge said on Saturday. “We will continue to grow and advance the care we provide for patients.”

The International Heart Institute brings together a recognized team of cardiologists, heart surgeons, imaging specialists, nurses and researchers to perform advanced cardiac procedures, and search for new and improved ways to treat heart disease.

With its outreach programs, the institute has clinics located throughout western Montana, including Missoula, Hamilton and Butte.

The services include a full spectrum of cardiac care, including cardiology, and open heart and vascular surgeries. It also offers programs for congestive heart failure, women’s heart health and men’s heart health.

“The crane is delivering steel and other supplies to the crew on the roof of the hospital’s third floor, which will be expanded toward the front of the hospital,” said Rogge. “It will increase patient access to our cardiac services.”

Contact reporter Martin Kidston at info@missoulacurrent.com

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