Page 11

The Ramsay Way - Autumn 2016

John Flynn commences remote cardiac monitoring John Flynn Private Hospital now offers cardiac patients CareLink – a remote monitoring system helping to improve patient outcomes and clinic efficiency. John Flynn Private Hospital Cardiac Cath Lab team proudly hand over the Medtronic MyCareLink monitor to Mr Laurence Cooper whose heart rhythm can now be continuously monitored from home. CareLink is designed to continuously monitor securely transferred data recorded by an implantable cardiac monitor – known as Reveal LINQ. Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the effects of undetected or misdiagnosed heart rhythm disorders can be fatal and occur without warning. Cardiologists at John Flynn Private Hospital use Reveal LINQ in detecting minute changes in a patient’s heart rhythm – the device continuously monitors, records and stores data for up to three years. Since it was introduced at John Flynn Private Hospital in 2014, many patients have received an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for heart rhythm disorders. In response to community demand, the hospital has introduced a unique, same day service – LINQ Fast Track Program – reducing waiting times for patients and/or carers. On a daily basis, a patient’s device is wirelessly interrogated. Device data and a rhythm electrogram are captured by the monitor and available for access and review on a clinician website. Doctors can be notified when a patient experiences a significant cardiac event such as a slow or fast heart rate or a pause. For patients, this means they are able to stay connected to their doctor even when at home or travelling as the monitor is able to transmit data in most countries. In a recent survey, patients reported that remote monitoring saves time, effort, and resources because it reduces travel and means fewer office visits. Patients also reported a sense of security and a high level of acceptance and satisfaction. John Flynn cardiologists believe that the remote monitoring technology and wireless Carelink alert notifications are resulting in earlier clinical decisions. The Heart Rhythm Society has recently published their updated consensus of remote monitoring, which concluded that remote monitoring is a new standard of care in monitoring implanted devices.  The Ramsay Way 2016 | 01 11 HOSPITALS A New “Dimension” in Pain Relief for St George Grandmother “Everything in my life was planned around my pain – and that meant two Nurofen and a shower every morning,” says Pam Russell, 60, who this month became the first patient to undergo spinal surgery on St George Private Hospital’s new Next Generation* O-arm. Neurosurgeon Dr Mark Davies with patient Pam Russell Before surgery, Pam from Sans Souci struggled to walk for more than 30 minutes a day. She was unable to lift her two grandchildren and endured many a sleepless night with excruciating nerve pain shooting down her spine to her right leg – all caused by Spinal Canal Stenosis and Spondylolosis (narrowed spinal canal and a slipped vertebrae). “It was a huge decision and spinal surgery is not something anyone takes lightly. I’m pleased I tried conservative methods like pilates and physio which helped, but wasn’t enough in the end. “Now, three weeks post-surgery, I am able to walk and stand for long periods without pain. It’s the best I’ve felt for years.” who says it’s time to “kill the pain before it kills you!” St George Private Hospital is the second hospital in Australia with the latest 3D version of the Next Generation* O-Arm. “Combining the image quality of CT scanner in the operating room with what is essentially a GPS for surgeons, this technology allows doctors to more easily navigate around the delicate spinal structures,” says St George Private Neurosurgeon Dr Mark Davies. “This technology allows the surgeon a 3D view in real time, which means can enhance the accuracy of screw placement during surgery,” “It also improves accuracy and efficiency and leads to greater patient safety.”  Ramsay Mental Health Commences Neurostimulation Research Ramsay Mental Health will commence research into neurostimulation techniques which are currently used in its mental health units including Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or other forms of brain stimulation. The Ramsay National Neurostimulation Committee held their inaugural meeting in February 2016. The Committee is Chaired by Dr Bill Lyndon and will meet quarterly with a mandate to collate and evaluate clinical data across the Ramsay’s mental health facilities and to encourage sharing of clinical experience with the aim of improving clinical outcomes for patients with psychiatric disorders.  Sarah believes everybody deserves respect, including the homeless. She fights for their rights to quality health care. She becomes a familiar face for those that need help. Tickets now on sale Join us to celebrate 10 years of excellence in nursing at the 2016 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards, Thursday 12 May hestaawards.com.au Proudly sponsored by: Proudly presented by: Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249 Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. Terms and conditions apply. See hestanursingawards.com for details. Subscribe | Nominate | Share Sarah Ravine Community Nurse, HESTA Awards winner 1689.HANA_TicketSale_Ramsay_265x90.indd 1 23/02/2016 10:08 AM


The Ramsay Way - Autumn 2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above