HERRIN - The national average time of a patient entering the hospital with chest pains to the time they get to the cath lab is about 180 minutes.

From Herrin Hospital to the cath lab at the Prairie Heart Institute in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, it's about 89 minutes. The hospital is part of Prairie STAT Heart, which coordinates several area hospitals to provide quick service for patients suffering a heart attack. Because timing is crucial to treating a heart attack, the American Heart Association considers 90 minutes to be the appropriate amount of time for treatment.

Pam Shadowens, cardiac services coordinator at Herrin Hospital, said its time is definitely encouraging.

"For Herrin to be doing it in 89 minutes and not even having its own cath lab is outstanding," Shadowens said.

After a patient at Herrin Hospital is diagnosed with having a heart attack, he or she is transported to the cath lab at Memorial Hospital, where the blockages are opened up with angioplasty. The record time between when the patient came into Herrin Hospital and ended up in treatment at Memorial Hospital is 61 minutes.

Dr. Cesar Coello, cardiologist at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, said the success is thanks to a concentrated effort among hospital staffs.

"It takes everyone to be well-coordinated," Coello said.

Shadowens said since the hospital's stat heart program became accredited, staff members have been focusing more and more on bettering themselves.

"We never want to become satisfied with our success," Shadowens said. "We're doing great, but we can always do better."

Coello agreed and said there is always room for improvement.

"We do have an excellent track record and we're looking to improve it," Coello said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804