A severe cardiovascular disease cooperation network centered on Bucheon Sejong Hospital has expanded to 53 medical institutions.
Bucheon Sejong Hospital said Thursday it has signed a Sejong Cardiovascular Network (SJ-CCN) cooperation agreement with Naeun Hospital. Naeun Hospital becomes the 53rd partner in the network.
The core feature of the Sejong Cardiovascular Network is that referring physicians can speak directly with a cardiac surgeon as soon as a transfer request is made. With operating surgeons stationed on a hotline year-round, the referral process, which previously required multiple steps, has been condensed into a single phone call.
The scope of cooperation also covers all age groups. The network handles everything from congenital heart defects in newborns to aortic surgery for elderly patients, and links to helicopter transport in emergencies. Patients who have completed acute-phase treatment are sent back to their original hospitals, ensuring continuity of care within local communities.
"The key is that in critical moments, patients are immediately connected to a specialized treatment team without surgical waiting times or complex administrative procedures," said Sohn Bong-yeon, head of the Medical Cooperation Center and a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. "We will work hand in hand with local medical institutions to reduce treatment blind spots for severe cardiovascular patients."
