The service is an exciting development for GSHS and follows the installation of a new CT scanner in 2022.
GSHS received funding from the Department of Health to establish an advanced practice Cardiac CT service which medical imaging manager Greg Butler said would bring new expertise to the area.
Previously patients had to travel to Melbourne for Cardiac CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA).
“It is a real coup for the area,” Mr Butler said.
“There is no other cardiac CT service in the South Gippsland or Bass Coast region so this is a huge benefit for local patients as they can now access this high-quality specialist service in their local community.
“One of the drivers for our Cardiac CT funding from the Department of Health was to provide advanced practice services to our rural community. The new CT scanner gives us the capability of high-quality cardiac scanning so the next step was to make that happen,” he said.
Cardiac CT radiographer Leo Liu has joined GSHS to lead development and delivery of the service, which is being established in consultation with Imaging Associates and Victorian Heart and Lung Clinic and visiting cardiologist Dr Swati Mukherjee.
Mr Butler said there was a need for improved cardiac services in the area.
“Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in Australia and is an issue in our region,” he said.
“The key is early identification and intervention and if you are a patient that is symptomatic but in a low to moderate risk category, a CT coronary angiogram is one of the first diagnostic tests to be done.
“It is a safe procedure that allows visualisation of coronary lesions and build-up of calcium in the vessels.”
Mr Butler says CT coronary angiography is a good, low risk alternative to traditional angiography with no invasive element and no admission to hospital. “It is like any other CT scan but with an injection of x-ray dye to specifically look for blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.”
The range of cardiac CT imaging services available at GSHS include CT Coronary Angiography, CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, CT Pre-TAVI workup and CT CABG patency assessment.
Calcium Scoring is beneficial for patients without symptoms who are concerned about the future risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). It is best for patients aged 40-75 years with an intermediate risk, and may help decide if statins or aspirin therapy are appropriate.
The new Cardiac CT service will start on August 16. To access this service at Leongatha Hospital, people will need a request for a CT Coronary Angiogram or Calcium Score from their doctor. To make an appointment call the Medical Imaging Department on 5667 5579, fax 5667 5677 or email your request form to medical.imaging@gshs.com.au.
