Berwick resident Cathy McKell and her father Tony Charlton at the recent opening of a new $6 million purpose-built cardiac and BERWICK resident Cathy McKell has a lifelong affinity with The Alfred hospital.
Ms McKell underwent a successful heart transplant at the world-renowned hospital in 1993 after doctors in the United States deemed the operation too risky.
And last weekend she was back to help take part in the unveiling of a new $6 million purpose-built cardiac and thoracic centre.
Minister for Health Daniel Andrews was also at the unveiling of the new 48-bed centre, which will ensure a streamlined facility is available for cardiology, coronary and cardiac surgery patients.
Ms McKell, 47, underwent the operation after cardiomyopathy damaged her heart.
“I was rejected in Utah and I only got as far as LA when I went into heart failure,” she said.
“My husband and father weren’t going to take no for an answer and made arrangements to get me to Australia.
“I had an ambulance waiting for me when I touched down and went straight to The Alfred from the airport.”
The Australian citizen said returning to the place where she underwent the operation was a special experience.
“I gave a speech of my experiences and of The Alfred and it was totally uplifting and highly encouraging for all involved,” she said.
The centre, which will be known as the Ewa and Ezriel Rabinowicz Cardiac and Thoracic Centre, was fully funded by donations.
Jennifer Williams, the chief executive of Bayside Health, which runs the facility, said she was overwhelmed at the level of support by donors.
“We are indebted to the many generous donors who have fully funded the development of the centre,” she said. “Their tremendous support and generosity is indicative of their remarkable community contributions and selfless dedication that will benefit the health needs of many Victorians,” Ms Williams said.
