Access to first-class cardiac care and treatment across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has been significantly enhanced with the opening of Dubbo Hospital’s brand new Cardiac Catheter Laboratory.
The new Cardiac Cath Lab welcomed its first patients earlier month, and is the final service to come online as part of the $150 million third and fourth stages of the Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment.
Nationals Minister for Western NSW and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the opening of the new Cardiac Cath Lab is a major milestone, and will benefit patients across the entire region.
“Chronic diseases, like coronary disease, are a major concern in Western NSW, and remain one of the leading causes of death in the region,” Mr Saunders said.
“This brand new service will improve access to life-saving cardiac care for the local community in Dubbo, and for patients in more remote areas of the region, who will now be able to receive care in a more central location.”
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the new Cath Lab will strengthen the Local Health District’s ability to deliver co-ordinated health care across its District-wide cardiology service.
“The new Cardiac Cath Lab is the second in Western NSW, and will operate alongside the existing service at Orange, which means more people can get the care they need as close to home as possible,” Mrs Taylor said.
“On top of improving community access to important diagnostic procedures that help detect coronary disease and determine its extent, patients will no longer need to travel to Orange or even Sydney to receive that life-saving care.”
WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal said the Cardiac Cath Lab’s opening is a major step forward, with scope to continue expanding services as part of the Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment.
“The Cardiac Cath Lab will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in its first 12 months of operation, undertaking diagnostic procedures, and providing streamlined referral for patients who require further interventional care,” Mr Spittal said.
“Continued development of cardiology services remains one of the LHD’s highest priorities going forward, and we will continue to strengthen and expand those services across the entire District to meet the current and future needs of our communities.”
