The Friends of Reading Hospital (The Friends) announced today that they will provide $241,239 in grant funds to aid various departments at Reading Hospital. The donations will provide support for:

  • A new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab). The Friends of Reading Hospital will donate $150,000 towards the $2.1M goal for a fully upgraded Cath Lab, a project of the Reading Hospital Foundation. The new Cath Lab will allow the team to continue to provide minimally invasive tests and procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease with the highest levels of technology and quality.
  • New catheters in the Cardiology department. Upgraded catheters will provide a better patient experience for those undergoing cardiac catheterization.
  • Funds to support HeartSAFE Berks County. By replenishing supplies for the CR-Plus and CR2 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices for first responders, the chances of survival increase for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. CR-Plus is a fully automatic AED with a simple two-step process and the CR2 AED is the only AED system that allows chest compressions during ECG rhythm analysis.
  • Two electric bikes will be donated to the West Reading and Reading Police Departments, allowing bike patrol officers to arrive at the scene more quickly than on foot.
  • Reinstatement of Reading Hospital’s Bike Share Program by the Community Wellness Department. In addition to being better for the environment, the program provides employees with the opportunity to explore the community through a safe and active mode of transportation.
  • Reading Hospital Children’s Health Center supports the Reach Out and Read (ROR) program, encouraging reading among children and families in our community ages 2 months to 8 years of age. With The Friends' support, the Children’s Health Center can continue to place 100 new and developmentally appropriate books per week into the hands of children in our community throughout the next year.
  • A mobile ice cream cart, to provide a connection between hospital leadership and staff. Each month, Tower Health's senior executives will rotate visitations through various departments during every shift. They will meet with employees and deliver ice cream as a demonstration of their appreciation for their dedication and hard work. 

Commenting on the donation to support radial artery catheter upgrades, Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital President and CEO, said, “Since implementing a transradial approach in our cardiac catheterization process, we have seen tremendous improvement in our success rates and significant increases in overall patient satisfaction. We are so grateful to The Friends of Reading Hospital for their generous donation so that we can improve our equipment to better reflect our process while continuing to provide excellent care for our community.”

The Friends of Reading Hospital is an association of passionate community leaders who are dedicated to raising funds to support and enhance Reading Hospital’s promise of delivering the highest level of care to our community. As a result of their health and wellness programs, grants, and various initiatives, The Friends have made a powerful and sustainable impact on the hospital. Patients of the hospital and the surrounding community have benefitted from their contributions immensely. 

Sharon Keating, President, The Friends of Reading Hospital, added, "We are proud to support initiatives within our hospital by providing financial support. It is only through the thoughtful and generous contributions of our donors and sponsors that we are able to continue our mission to support health and well-being in our community.”

 

About Reading Hospital

Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022 and 2023. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.