Thornhill to Direct St. Dominic's Level One Heart Attack Program

St. Dominic Hospital has named Delon Thornhill, RN, to the position of coordinator of the hospital’s Level One Heart Attack Program effective March, 2008.  Thornhill’s duties will include leadership of the Level One Heart Attack program, a network of coordinated emergency medical personnel and hospitals to rapidly diagnose, treat and transport heart attack patients to St. Dominic’s for treatment in the Catheterization Labs. 

Thornhill, a native of Lawrence County, has 12 years of nursing experience at St. Dominic’s and at other area healthcare facilities.  Recently, he worked as a marketing/clinical liaison for a long-term acute care facility in Jackson.

“With his outreach and clinical background, Delon will be a true asset to our hospital in this important role,” said Trace Swartzfager, Vice President of Professional Services at St. Dominic Hospital. “We look forward to incorporating his experience and ideas as we continue to expand our Level One Heart Attack program.”

Clay Hays Jr., M.D., Medical Director, St. Dominic’s Cardiac Catheterization Labs, added his enthusiasm about Thornhill’s appointment.  “We are very excited to have Delon lead our Level One Heart Attack Program.  His zest, experience and commitment will only serve to heighten the strength of our program,” stated Hays.

Thornhill added, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve St. Dominic’s in this role that affects the state’s leading heart program. Our heart attack door-to-balloon times are exceptional.  Our goal is to give patients the advantage of time by connecting them with our Level One Heart Attack program.  When a person experiences a heart attack, rapid treatment is critical to prevent heart muscle damage.  I look forward to the opportunities that come with maintaining our high level of service and stellar cath lab intervention times.”