News

Improving access to specialized cardiac services

Newmarket, Ontario - Access to advanced cardiac services is critical for patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease. Residents of York Region, Simcoe County and Muskoka will have improved access to a full range of life-saving procedures through the development of York County Hospital's regional cardiac program in Newmarket. 

The program's regional designation was announced in December 1998. It has presented the hospital with the opportunity to build a state of the art cardiac care centre and confront the need for advanced services in one of the fastest growing regions in the province.

With its cardiac catheterization suite operational, York County Hospital has been performing angiograms since February 15, 1999. The 1999/2000 fiscal year resulted in the completion of 500 cases, but in order to accommodate high patient volumes the hospital plans to perform 1,500-2,000 catheterizations during the 2000/2001 fiscal year.

In order to ensure the truly regional utilization of its cardiac catheterization laboratory, York County Hospital has developed relationships with surrounding hospitals so that cardiologists from neighbouring facilities in Markham, Richmond Hill and Barrie will be able to perform angiograms on their own patients.

"One of the greatest advantages to being at the forefront of developing a regional cardiac program in a community hospital setting is that we have the opportunity to create innovative solutions to help meet patients' needs," stated Daniel Carriere, President.

In addition to angiograms, York County Hospital is preparing to insert up to 200 permanent pacemakers during the 2000/2001 fiscal year. This invasive procedure is supported by a pacemaker follow-up clinic to monitor patients following their procedure.

Like the pacemaker follow-up clinic, the regional cardiac program also offers a wide range of out patient clinics designed to provide urgent and ongoing assessment, treatment and education to individuals diagnosed with or recovering from a range of cardiovascular conditions.

In a preventative capacity, the program has developed an out patient clinic that offers cholesterol and lifestyle evaluations for individuals identified with cardiac risk factors. York County Hospital has also taken the position as lead organization in the York Region's Heart Health Initiative. By working closely with the community, activities and education sessions that focus on modifiable risk factors such as smoking, diet and exercise are planned.

The introduction of cardiac invasive procedures and the enhancement of out patient clinics are the hospital's first steps toward meeting their mandate as a regional centre. This progress has been substantial, but it only represents a small piece of the overall goal.

York County Hospital recently initiated phase one of Redevelopment 2002, a $109 million expansion project that, among many things, will give York County Hospital the space to house a Regional Cardiac Care Centre equipped to offer a full scope of cardiac services including open heart surgery.

When complete and fully operational in 2003, York County Hospital will be home to two cardiovascular operating rooms, nine cardiac intensive care beds, 26 post-surgical inpatient beds, two cardiac catheterization labs, a special procedure room for pacemaker implantation, eight critical care unit beds and 35 medical cardiology beds. This regional program will also offer a full scope of cardiac diagnostics and clinics as well as a comprehensive cardiac prevention and rehabilitation centre.

"Redevelopment will give us the facility, and with it, our goal is to build a strong team that will position us at the forefront in providing cardiac care in this province," stated Dr. David Fell, physician leader for the Regional Comprehensive Cardiac Care Centre.

Although the project is in its earliest stages the hospital has taken every opportunity to ensure the solid advancement of the program.  Dr. Byung Moon, a cardiac surgeon at London Health Sciences Centre has taken a lead role as a consultant in the development of York County Hospital's cardiovascular surgical program. Dr. Moon's expertise and experience will greatly assist the hospital in establishing the surgical component of its regional program.

In addition, a mentoring relationship is being developed with both St. Michael's Hospital and the University Health Network who will assist in ongoing planning for the program.

Although there is still a long road ahead, the opportunity to develop a regional cardiac care centre is an exciting one. It represents York County Hospital's dedication to improving access to specialized programs and services.