Heart surgery unit for RDH

TERRITORIANS needing heart surgery will no longer have to fly interstate

TERRITORIANS needing heart surgery will no longer have to fly interstate.

The Territory Government yesterday announced it would spend $8.3 million for a cardiothoracic and neurosurgical services at Royal Darwin Hospital.

This is despite Health Minister John Elferink telling the NT News last month that such services were not on the government’s radar.

Mr Elferink said the change of mind came after he saw evidence demonstrating that the system could be made viable.

“Nevertheless, it still requires a funding allocation on $8.3 million to cover the neurological and cardiothoracic field, which is what we’re doing,” he said.

“Once I received this advice it was taken to cabinet and the decision was made to proceed.”

Currently Territorians requiring complex heart scenting services and cardiac surgery such as valve or bypass surgery need to travel interstate for treatment.

Each year the Territory makes over 600 acute, emergency and elective referrals to interstate hospitals for cardiothoracic and neuro surgical procedures resulting in $6.6 million each year spent on travel and accommodation.

“This is good news for Territorians and means that patients who would have had to travel interstate will now be able to receive treatment in the Territory and remain close to their families,” Mr Elferink said.

He said the development of the new services would include the purchase of new equipment and refurbishments.

The services are expected tostart within 12 months and begin incrementally.