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Surgery Rates On The Rise, Waiting Times Decrease
Cardac Surgery Rates On The Rise, Waiting Times
Decrease
Cardiothoracic surgery throughput has reached an all time high at Waikato Hospital with more than 500 procedures completed in the last financial year.
The final tally of 503 surgical procedures is a huge increase from the 350 annual average and a first for the unit since it opened in 1989.
Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said it is an amazing achievement that has improved patient wait times.
“This is a result of great team effort and it could not have been achieved without the dedication and hard work from the whole team who are striving to improve surgical access to patients in the central North Island,” Mrs Adams said.
Mrs Adams added that the leadership from cardiothoracic surgeon Adam El Gamel, employed as clinical director of the unit earlier this year, had greatly contributed to the success.
Mr El Gamel puts the results down to great commitment from staff increased theatre efficiency and process improvements.
“We’ve got a hard working, skilled team but there has been some clogging in the system.
“When I started at Waikato Hospital I knew this would be a challenge I had to address.
“I’m pleased with last years figures because it shows that the changes made are working. Our waiting times have dropped but we still have a way to go,” he said.
Changes include reduced wait times between surgeries, better coordination between staff and departments; ensuring the patient is ready to go when they get to theatre; and less anaesthetic administered where appropriate so the patient can return to the ward faster.
Mr El Gamel wants to see even higher number of cases completed in the years to come.
He says Waikato Clinical Centre, currently under construction, would help the unit achieve this target when their new area in the interventional suite opens in late 2012
Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax (the chest), the heart and lungs.
The unit, made up 37 staff, performed a range of complex cases during the 2009-2010 financial year including coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic, mitral and triscupsid valve repairs/ replacements, aortic root replacements, off pump surgery and trans apical valve replacements.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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