Mackay Base Hospital cardiac catheterisation lab closing for upgrades

Up to 70 urgent patients will potentially be flown to Townsville or Brisbane as the only cardiac cath lab within 400km closes to replace out-of-date equipment.

Prior to the opening of the cardiac catheterisation lab, heart attack patients had to be flown to Townsville.

A vital cardiac health care facility will be shutting for two months sending heart attack patients to Townsville for treatment.

The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory will be closing on October 8 for approximately eight weeks old equipment is replaced.

Cardiac catheter labs are vital in the treatment of heart attack victims and in implementing pacemakers and stents.

Mackay HHS CEO Susan Gannon said the closure will enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mackay Hospital and Health Services (MHSS) Chief Executive Susan Gannon said patients needing care will be treated at the Mackay Base Hospital before being transferred to the nearest Queensland Health facility with the capacity to treat them, either in Townsville or Brisbane.

“Mackay Hospital and Health Service will work with Retrieval Services Queensland, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance to oversee the safe transfer of patients,” Mr Gannon said.

“In an emergency situation, the patient will receive medication (thrombolysis) to dissolve the blood clot.

“This is a very safe and effective method to treat heart attacks and it is the current standard treatment for anyone who lives more than 60 minutes away from Mackay Base Hospital.”

First opened in 2014 under then Premier Campbell Newman, the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory has potentially saved thousands of lives. Photo Lee Constable

The closure comes as the lab’s equipment reaches the end of its life span and the hospital seeks to add a sterile stockroom to the unit.

Based on MHHS data it is expected approximately 70 urgent cardiac patients will need transferral to other facilities with as many as 96 non-urgent patients have to look elsewhere for treatment.

“Three patient care pathways have been developed for any patients require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure and will be determined by each patient’s condition,” Ms Gannon said.