A Cardiac Electrophysiology Service has been launched at Gosford Hospital, giving Central Coast patients access to cardiac procedures without the need to travel out of area.
The service is expected to benefit hundreds of local patients each year, meaning they won't have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle for critical care.
The new service offers diagnostic and therapeutic treatment for patients with heart conditions. This includes providing therapeutic ablation for patients with right-sided tachyarrhythmias which is also known as irregular heart rhythm.
Cardiac ablation is a procedure where small areas of tissue in the heart which are causing the irregular heartbeat are inactivated through the application of heat or intense cold. The procedure restores and maintains a normal heart rhythm.
The service is also performing diagnostic studies for cardiac patients, including electrophysiology studies which are tests used to evaluate the heart's electrical system and to check for abnormal heart rhythms.
The launch of the service is a significant development for the Central Coast, providing local public patients access to the service close to home for the first time.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"I am pleased this new service will be able to offer local patients access to these important procedures on the Central Coast, making it much easier for them to access the treatment they need close to home.
"Central Coast Local Health District is already receiving very positive feedback from patients about how much they appreciate having the local service available to them."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:
"It is pleasing the Central Coast community can now access these important cardiac procedures closer to home.
"We know the Central Coast is a high-growth region, and as our population grows it is essential we continue to bolster our local healthcare system, and services like this are another step in the right direction."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gosford, Liesel Tesch:
"The launch of this service will mean that our community no longer has to travel multiple hours to access this important medical service, providing accessible care right here in our community when people need it most.
"The NSW Government is committed to investing in healthcare for the Central Coast community."
Quotes attributable to Central Coast Local Health District Head of Cardiology, Associate Professor Maged William:
"We are thrilled to be able to provide these procedures on the Central Coast. Previously, it was necessary for patients to travel to Sydney or Newcastle to have these procedures. We are anticipating that the service will benefit hundreds of local patients every year.
"Plans are already underway to expand the scope of the service to treat patients with other common cardiac concerns such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia."
