New hospital service opens for cardiac patients
A NEW centre at St Andrew's Hospital will provide emergency cardiac services to patients, any time of the day or night.
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A NEW centre at St Andrew's Hospital will provide emergency cardiac services to patients, any time of the day or night.
The Rapid Access Heart Centre, the region's first 24/7 emergency cardiac centre, will provide fast diagnostic procedures, stents for blocked arteries and insertion of cardiac devices.
Chief executive officer Ray Fairweather said the hospital was excited to be able to offer this new extension to its existing cardiology service.
"With six on-site cardiologists at St Andrew's and a new imaging cardiologist commencing next month, the Rapid Access Heart Centre was a logical next step for the hospital and its continued expansion of services," Mr Fairweather said.
"The vast majority of patients who have used this new service, have been admitted to hospital due to their cardiac or medical illness."
More than 100 patients have used the service since it opened its doors.
Patients who are experiencing chest pain, tightness, palpitations, pressure or shortness of breath can present to the centre via Queensland Ambulance Service or as a walk-in self referral.
The new service is delivered in partnership with the team of on-site medical officers and cardiologists, with general medical and surgical resources also available if required.
The centre is supported by St Andrew's existing 24-hour intensive care unit, a cardiac medical unit and the only dedicated cardiac catheter laboratory in the region.
"St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital has been offering cardiology services for over 15 years, through a team of highly trained, local onsite cardiologists who have performed over 7000 complex cardiac procedures," Mr Fairweather said.
No referral is required to access the Rapid Access Heart Centre.
A $180 fee applies to access the centre, which is refunded upon a hospital admission.
Originally published as New hospital service opens for cardiac patients
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