Page 2997 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 14 August 2013
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treatment in the cardiac catheter lab, usually within one hour of presenting with symptoms.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what other initiatives have brought about improvements in the cardiac survival rate?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Ms Porter for the question. Initiatives include advances in technology to enable quicker and more effective treatment for patients. The Canberra Hospital has also opened a chest pain evaluation unit, which is a new unit designed to fast-track treatment of low risk acute coronary syndrome patients. The unit is designed to promote early diagnosis and safe intervention for low risk patients. This four-bed unit sits within the coronary care unit and works closely with the emergency department. The research shows that fast-tracking these patients delivers better results for their outcomes, and patients who require surgery are managed pre and post surgery during the acute phase of their illness.
The Canberra Hospital also provides a cardiac rehabilitation program, which consists of patient education, providing information about management of cardiovascular disease, secondary prevention, diet, exercise, medication, and social and emotional issues. The rehabilitation service also includes an exercise program which provides information about how to return to activities such as work. The final stage of the program includes a maintenance exercise program.
Mr Tony Stubbs, who is a very strong advocate for heart health and who leads the Heart Foundation here in the ACT, said at the time that the foundation’s report was released that anyone in Canberra can ring 000 and seek an ambulance and will be on the table in surgery within one hour. Mr Stubbs also noted that the ACT’s cardiac survival rate can be attributed to a mix of better technology, improved emergency systems and, importantly, our less congested roads.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what are the risks associated with repeat heart attacks for heart attack survivors?
MADAM SPEAKER: Sorry, can you repeat the question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what are the risks associated with repeat heart attacks for heart attack survivors?
MADAM SPEAKER: It is marginally there. Minister for Health.
MS GALLAGHER: It does relate to cardiac survival rates.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, but he did not say that.
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