The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is set to commence scheduled works on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
The Cath Lab and its service will close for eight weeks while works are carried out by contractors.
These works are due to Cath Lab equipment reaching its 10-year end-of-life period. Upgrades to the Cath Lab are also required to suit the new equipment, along with a sterile stock room within the unit. All works will be carried out within the eight-week timeframe.
Replacing major medical equipment is a standard procedure for hospitals and health services to keep up with technological advancements and to maintain safety, efficiency, and reliability in patient care.
It will enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and will directly benefit patients by improving access to state-of-the-art cardiac care.
Patients who require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure will be cared for and stabilised before being transferred to the nearest Queensland Health facility with the capacity to treat them.
Three patient care pathways have been developed for any patients require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure and will be determined by each patient’s condition.
In an emergency situation, the patient will receive medication (thrombolysis) to dissolve the blood clot. This is a very safe and effective method to treat heart attacks and it is the current standard treatment for anyone who lives more than 60 minutes away from Mackay Base Hospital.
This medication is regularly administered by Queensland Ambulance officers and staff at rural facilities.
Following stabilisation care, the patient will be transferred to Townsville University Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital or Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for follow-up intervention.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service will work with Retrieval Services Queensland, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance to oversee the safe transfer of patients.
Based on activity data averaged across the last 12 months, Mackay HHS is planning for approximately 35 urgent admissions per month (4 per week). Mackay HHS treats approximately 48 non-urgent patients per month.
A further update will be provided as the project reaches conclusion.
