A comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology service has been established at Canberra Hospital.
As a result, two cardiologists are able to conduct research as well as treating people from the ACT and region suffering from cardiac rhythm disorders.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris said the expanded service meant fewer public patients needed to travel interstate for treatment for issues such as cardiac ablation, which scars or destroys tissue in the heart that has allowed incorrect electrical signals to cause an abnormal heartbeat.
“Electrophysiology helps patients and their doctors to decide whether such conditions should be treated using medication, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or via surgery — all of which can now be managed in the ACT,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Work has been under way for more than two years to bring the full electrophysiology service and research program to Canberra Hospital.”
She said the service was providing patients from the ACT region with more timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments for various cardiac electrical problems.
“Previously some patients here who would have been suitable for electrophysiology studies were being treated with medication, which is less effective and can have side effects, or were required to be transferred to interstate hospitals for care,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said both cardiologists at the hospital had worked hard to make the expansion of the service possible in the ACT.
“They originally trained as doctors in Canberra before heading interstate to complete their PhDs and abroad to hone their expertise in electrophysiology,” the Minister said.
“I am confident that with their expertise our electrophysiology service here at Canberra Hospital will become one of the world’s best.”
