Rockhampton Hospital's new Cardiology Inpatient Unit officially opened in March.
A key milestone in expanding cardiac care at Rockhampton Hospital has been reached, bringing the region closer to its goal of cutting patient travel to the southeast by 80 per cent.
EXPANDING CARE
The hospital’s new Cardiology Inpatient Unit officially opened in March.
Now work to expand the number of treatment spaces in the Cardiac Investigations Unit (CIU) has been completed, which will allow an additional 3500 patients to be seen a year once fully-staffed.
To support this growth, the team will grow from seven to 16 staff, adding new radiographers, cardiac physiologists, cardiology registrars, and nurses.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service is currently looking for cardiologists, cardiology principal house officer/registrars, clinical and registered nurses, cardiac physiologists and clinical support roles to join the team.
NEXT STEP
The final step in the expansion is the Cardiac Hybrid Theatre, which is under construction and on track to be completed by the end of the year.
It will localise important procedures like pacemakers, coronary angiograms and stents.
Cardiac Investigations Unit Director Katie Misselbrook started in the unit 16 years ago and said she looked forward to seeing all the expansions completed.
“Once all of the expansions are complete, it’s estimated around 80 per cent of cardiac patients won't need to travel outside the region for treatment,” Kate said.
“It's been a really needed service because patients have had to travel hundreds of kilometres for what is a necessary but standard test.
“To finally be able to provide that care locally, and the impact that will have on patients and their families, is what I'm most looking forward to.”
SOLVING THE PUZZLE
Senior Cardiac Physiologist Mitchell Guthrie knows all about matters of the heart.
His passion is treating patients with adult congenital heart disease, which stem from issues with the heart structure that are present at birth.
Complex cardiac cases can be like a “puzzle” to solve.
“It's a very exciting role where every day is different,” Mitchell said.
“So even though every test is the same in theory, every test is different. You really have to know what you're looking at and assess everything thoroughly.
“Someone might be sick, have a family history or have been born with a heart condition.
“It's also great talking with patients and hearing their stories. For us, this might be test number 10,000, but for the patient it's test number one.
“They're often anxious or nervous, so it's good to talk with them, learn about their background and help them feel calmer.”
Born and bred in Central Queensland, Mitchell is excited for what the expansion will mean for his team and the wider community.