Central Queenslanders are already benefiting from expanded cardiac services, with additional treatment spaces now open and more patients being seen each week.
The Cardiac Investigations Unit (CIU) has expanded from five to seven assessment and diagnostic spaces, as well as a dedicated procedure room, increasing capacity for patients to access important cardiac investigations locally.
Central Queensland Hospital Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said it was fantastic to see our expanded Cardiac Investigations Unit already making a difference after opening in the new space last week.
“Our additional treatment spaces mean we have already started seeing additional patients each week.”
“We currently see around 5,500 patients through the service each year, and once we are fully recruited, we expect to have capacity to care for an additional 3,500 patients annually.
“This is about building cardiac services here in Central Queensland so more people can receive the investigations and care they need closer to home.”
The CIU provides non-invasive diagnostic cardiac investigations for hospital inpatients and outpatients, including echocardiography, exercise stress testing and ambulatory monitoring.
These investigations play an important role in the timely diagnosis and management of heart conditions and help clinicians make decisions about the most appropriate care for patients.
A significant workforce expansion is also underway to support the growing service, with workforce set to more than double.
The expansion includes additional radiographers and cardiac physiologists, cardiologists and nurses, with recruitment underway for vacant positions.
“We’re investing not only in new facilities, but in the skilled people who will deliver these services and provide high-quality care to our patients for years to come.
The expanded Cardiac Investigations Unit will work closely with Rockhampton Hospital’s new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre, which remains under construction and is on track for completion by the end of 2026.
Once fully operational, the Cardiac Hybrid Theatre will enable more procedures including pacemaker insertions, angiograms and stents to be performed locally.