Sacred Heart assumes control of Heart Institute of Spokane

Sacred Heart Medical Center has assumed control over the Heart Institute of Spokane.

The Heart Institute, which will operate as a subsidiary of Spokane’s largest hospital, was founded 13 years ago as a non-profit organization providing cardiac catheterizations, research and education. Though its offices were connected to Sacred Heart, the Heart Institute had operated independently. It now will be run by Gerard Fischer, a Sacred Heart vice president.

Two years ago the hospital took over the institute’s building, equipment and debts of about $17 million.

Last year Sacred Heart terminated its clinical contract with the institute.

Instead, the hospital contracts with Inland Cardiology and Heart Clinics Northwest for heart catheterizations.

The institute now focuses on research and education.