Derek McKinnel during his recovery at Wakari Hospital with his wife Helen
Patients can now be fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICDs) in Dunedin Hospital rather than having to travel to Christchurch for the procedure.
An ICD is a type of pacemaker that helps keep the heart beating at a steady rate and can reduce the risk of a person dying from dangerous heart rhythms.
“ICDs are implanted in patients for a number of clinical reasons,” says Dr James Pemberton, Consultant Cardiologist whose successful application to the DHB’s Clinical Practice Committee means the procedure can now be carried out.
“These are usually when there's a high risk that the patient’s heart could stop beating – a cardiac arrest. This may be because they've already had a cardiac arrest, or because their heart condition means they’re at high risk of having one.”
When Derek’s heart stopped while he was driving, fortunately his wife was with him and CPR was started promptly.
After spending three weeks in Southland Hospital with complications he was transferred to Dunedin Hospital and fitted with an ICD. He completed his recovery in the ISIS rehabilitation ward at Wakari Hospital.
Mr McKinnel’s wife Helen says having the procedure in Dunedin made a huge difference. “It was brilliant news that the procedure could be done in Dunedin and we didn’t have to go to Christchurch. It was really stressful with Derek being so unwell and I really don’t think I could have coped with driving that far – it would have been too traumatic. It was also lovely that I knew the doctor who was caring for Derek.”
Dr Edmond, who performed the procedure, says it’s great the cardiology department can now provide a full range of pacemaker implant procedures.
“This provides a better service for patients, it’s more cost effective, staff have been able to upskill, and having the ability to fit ICDs is a positive factor for the future recruitment of new staff members to the team.”
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Better Health South - Board Update August 2020
