People presenting to Omeo District Health (ODH) with chest pain are having heart issues detected more rapidly and cardiac activity monitored in real time thanks to new, wireless technology.
A new electrocardiograph (known as an ECG) is enhancing the ability of medical staff to review results sooner, ensuring treatment is initiated without delay.
“Like many other urgent care centres across the state, there are often occasions when medical staff are performing diagnostics remotely with the support of our nurses on the ground,” ODH chief executive officer Mary Manescu said.
“Our existing ECG serves us well, but this new wireless machine means that a person coming to us with chest pain and discomfort can be hooked up to the ECG, with the electrical signals of their heart viewed in real-time by a doctor in another location, saving critical time.”
Previously, ECG results would need to be sent to the doctor, a manual process that can take valuable moments.
“Rather than waiting for ECG results to be sent to them, doctors now have essential diagnostic information available at their fingertips, which translates to more rapid treatment decisions,” Ms Manescu said.
The purchase of the new ECG was made possible thanks to a generous $5000 donation by Brandt, an agricultural company that sells and services agricultural and heavy haul equipment.
IMAGE: Omeo District Health recently received a donation to help purchase an ECG machine. (PS)
