WASHINGTON, Mo. - Mercy celebrated a major milestone in heart care with the opening of its newly expanded cardiovascular catheterization lab, designed to bring faster, more advanced treatment to patients across the region. Mercy caregivers joined community and business leaders for a blessing and ribbon cutting for the new space, kicking off a second century of care.
Announced in January 2024, the $10 million expansion was needed to help Mercy Hospital Washington meet patient demand. The phased project added a third procedure suite and additional pre/post-procedure rooms and upgraded all existing rooms with the most modern equipment available.
In addition, a video commemorating the hospital’s 100th year of healing and service in Washington – 50 of those as Mercy – premiered during the event.
“The expansion of our cardiac cath lab is a meaningful testament to the growth in services and care Mercy has provided alongside the city of Washington and the surrounding region over the last century,” said Marie Moore, president of Mercy Washington and Lincoln Communities. “As we celebrate throughout 2026, it feels especially fitting to begin by opening a space that gives our patients even greater access to high‑quality care close to home.”
Dr. John Mohart, Mercy executive vice president and chief operating officer, was surprised with a plaque recognizing his leadership and lasting contributions to the community. Dr. Mohart, who was instrumental in the growth of cardiovascular services in Washington, was honored for his years of service as a practicing cardiologist, including performing the first heart catheterization in Washington in 2005.
Mercy Washington’s Cardiovascular Catheterization Lab History:
2005 Began offering scheduled diagnostic cardiovascular catheterizations two days a week and first cardiac catheterization.
2007 Inserted first implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
2011 Started operating 24/7 and caring for patients with emergency needs such as heart attacks.
2012 Added a second procedure suite and began offering more procedures ranging from testing to opening blocked arteries in the arms, legs, abdomen and neck.
2021 Performed first pulmonary embolism thrombectomy.
2026 Opened expanded three-room cardiac catheterization laboratory to serve more than 2,000 patients annually.
