Heart-warming upgrades at Prince of Wales Hospital
Cardiac and stroke patients have cause for celebration, as the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation secures state-of-the-art cardiac monitors to the tune of $650,000.
Southern Courier
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As a young and active father, Allan Bate never imagined he’d suffer a cardiac arrest one evening relaxing on the lounge with his wife.
But that’s exactly what happened in 2014, triggering an unexpected health journey that’s been consumed by multiple heart relapses and long hospital visits to Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick.
But cardiac patients such as Mr Bate have cause for celebration, as the POWH Foundation recently secured state-of-the-art cardiac monitors for the hospital worth $650,000.
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The brand new monitors are wi-fi enabled with central displays, making it easier for patients and medical staff to monitor heart activity.
Mr Bates, 38, said the new monitors provided greater mobility in the ward during his last stay.
“I’ve got a bit more freedom around the hospital because before I could only be within a very short distance from my bed. Now there’s freedom to walk around the ward and go for my daily walk,” he said.
Since his first cardiac arrest, Mr Bate’s automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator — a small device in his chest monitoring his heart beat — has shocked his heart 17 times, making him a frequent hospital visitor.
“The doctors don’t know exactly why my heart is doing what it’s doing … it's a bit left of field which makes it really hard for them to treat … they’re treating a symptom rather than a cause,” he said.
Mr Bate’s relapses were induced by various causes, including physical exercise and his own heart medication.
As a “Grade A” patient who needs to be “continually monitored” during hospital stays, Mr Bate said the fast data provided by the cardiac equipment “gives [him] peace of mind”.
“It’s easy for the nurses to come and check any queries I have during the middle of the night.”
The mobile monitors, which are conveniently held in pouches around patients’ necks, allow patients to shower without burden and relieve some of the strain from families.
“The mobile monitor meant … [I could] spend quality time with my wife and boys even when I had long stays at the hospital,” Mr Bate said.
The upgraded monitors feature telemetry transmitters on multiple screens and make medical records easily transportable, enabling medical staff to update patient care models and treatment plans as data is collected.
POWH Foundation founding CEO Associate Professor Leanne Zalapa said the monitors “greatly help” cardiac clinicians and nursing staff delivering care to patients, and she thanked major sponsors who funded the upgrades.
“We are grateful to those who gave to us with their hearts and generosity to make this important gift possible,” Ms Zalapa said.
POWH Randwick treats more than 6200 cardiac and stroke patients each year as cardiac disease is the leading cause of death for Australians.
The foundation is the established health promotion charity supporting POWH Randwick, and relies on the generosity of community donations.
Donations can be made at powhf.org.au
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