29 November 2006

Minister opens new Rapid Cardiac Assessment Unit

Patients presenting at Wollongong Hospital Emergency Department with chest pain now have access to faster diagnosis and management of their condition, with the opening of a Rapid Cardiac Assessment Unit, NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos announced today.

Mr Hatzistergos inspected the unit today with Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay.

"This is a new direction in providing treatment in our emergency departments, allowing faster diagnosis and reducing waiting time," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The unit provides further evaluation of patients with chest pain and faster access to specialised assessment, management and treatment."

Ms Hay said the new area also resulted in better access to exercise stress tests and other equipment needed to accurately assess cardiac patients.

"The development of this unit not only provides more rapid in-depth assessment and treatment for patients, but helps to keep beds available in the Emergency Department for other patients," she explained.

"The new unit means cardiac patients presenting to Wollongong Hospital emergency department will now have improved access to dedicated staff skilled in cardiac care," she said.

Mr Hatzistergos said the unit builds on the Iemma Government's commitment to deliver enhanced health benefits to the people of the Illawarra.

"In just 15 months, we're making real progress in meeting the growing demand for health resources across the region, but there's still work to do," he said.

Mr Hatzistergos said this year the Iemma Government is spending $27 million a day on infrastructure, including $633 million to redevelop, upgrade and build hospital projects.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au