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A new nurse-led program at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH) is helping to give stroke patients more timely treatment while increasing the capacity of local cardiac services.
Implantable Loop Recorder (ILP) procedures are usually performed by cardiologists, who insert a device in the chest to monitor heartbeat for irregularities.
SCUPH's Tara Willcocks is the first nurse at Ramsay Health Care – Australia's largest private hospitals operator – to learn how to complete the potentially life-saving procedures.
She trained with cardiologist Dr Stuart Butterly, who operates at the Birtinya-based hospital in Kawana Waters.
"Learning from Dr Butterly has been an incredible experience. It feels wonderful to be one of just a few nurses in the country trained to complete this procedure," Ms Willcocks said.
"This new service is a testament to the passion and innovative thinking from the leadership team at SCUPH.
"Everyone in the cardiology service here is committed to advancing healthcare and thinking outside the box to offer more Australians greater health outcomes and a brighter and healthier future."
Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital nurse Tara Willcocks
Dr Butterly said the ILP service was designed to reduce waiting times and enhance the patient experience.
"This nurse-led program will allow patients to be treated without delay and hopefully improve outcomes for those at-risk patients," he said.
"The ILR procedure involves a small diagnostic device being implanted in the chest of stroke patients to detect cardiac arrythmias and help determine further treatment options.
'Using a tablet, Tara can conveniently activate the ILR, and program the device parameters according to the patients' needs."
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