Picture: Supplied.
Ipswich Hospital is now home to Queensland’s most recent heart catheter laboratory, after having its main opening recently.
At a cost of almost $2 million, the heart catheter lab provided its very first angiogram in October 2022 and started using stent insertions this month.
Staff professional Dr Johanne Neill said a public heart catheter laboratory had actually been frantically required in the area.
“As well as having one of the highest rates of cardiac-related hospitalisations in the country, we also have higher than Queensland average rates of pre-disposing risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and obesity here in West Moreton,” Dr Neill said.
“Most patients who suffer a heart attack require an angiogram. It really is the gatekeeper to other therapy such as stents and bypass surgery. Having a cath lab at Ipswich Hospital means we are achieving better health outcomes for patients, improving bed availability at the hospital, and reducing costs to the health system.”
A diagnostic angiogram can identify whether an individual’s chest discomfort is the outcome of a cardiovascular disease or angina (discomfort brought on by lowered blood circulation to the heart).
If the angiogram exposes narrowing in the coronary artery, the Ipswich group now has the capability to place a gadget, referred to as a stent, that will remain in the artery completely to enhance blood circulation to the heart.
Since October, the interventionist group had actually carried out 252 treatments, conserving a minimum of 36 bed days a month.
“West Moreton Health prioritised spending within the health service to develop the cath lab in recognition of local healthcare needs,” a West Moreton representative said.
“The opening of the lab marks the beginning of expanded services for local cardiac patients.”
