THOUSANDS of cardiac patients in remote parts of Cape York and the Torres Strait will have better outcomes because cyclists rode their bikes to Cooktown.
More than $147,342.16 worth of equipment for cardiac outreach has been provided to a team of clinicians who regularly conduct clinics throughout the Far North, ensuring care for those who can't easily travel to Cairns.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Outreach Service Clinical Coordination Manager Karyn Greensill said cardiac outreach throughout the Far North happens almost every day.
Equipment provided includes a dedicated car, ultrasound carts for echocardiogram machines, specialist cardiac ultrasound beds, and a new ECG machine.
Some of the equipment will travel with the clinicians while other devices will stay in some of the remote areas in Thursday Island, Weipa, Bamaga, Cooktown, Atherton, Mareeba, Yarrabah, and Innisfail. This equipment will be available for use by other clinicians when not used by the cardiac outreach service.
“Providing cardiac service and diagnostic tests closer to home reduces the need for the patient to have to travel long distances to Cairns, providing care closer to home wherever we can also frees up resources in Cairns to provide more acute services,” Ms Greensill said.
“Staff that travel to outreach can include cardiologist, registrars, nurses, sonographers and cardiac scientists. Diagnostic tests include echocardiograms and pacemaker checks,” she said.
“We have a very high attendance reviewing more than 3000 patients last year in outreach. We have provided care in 36 locations from Mission Beach to Yorke Island and west to Georgetown covering and area of more than 270,000km – We have the highest number of patients seen by any cardiac outreach service in the state and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“Providing this equipment ensure communities receive high level care. This permits rapid, accurate and non-invasive diagnosis across a broad range of cardiovascular pathologies. More than 1400 patients had an Echocardiogram (saving 1400 trips to Cairns Hospital). We’re incredibly grateful to the QSuper Cardiac Challenge for this equipment that we know is making a difference to patient outcomes every single day. It means we’re able to diagnose and monitor conditions and hopefully manage them more quickly leading to better outcomes.
“Far North Queensland has higher than average rates of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and RHD compared to urban areas. We’re extremely proud of the role that the whole outreach team plays in improving access to Cardiac care for rural and remote residents across the far north.
“Having this equipment allows for quick and efficient set-up for the patient at the clinic so we can maximise the number of patients seen at each clinic.”
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge is now in its 19th year and has provided more than $6 million worth of equipment and services to cardiac and related services in that time.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said results such as these were proof that fundraising through the event was still powerful, worthwhile and making a difference.
“People in remote parts of Cape York and the Torres Strait might not be as visible to us in the cities, but their health concerns are just as valid, they have many more logistical challenges to overcome in gaining health care. But for us, being able to provide equipment to take the health care to the patient, we think that’s a great outcome and we know the clinicians are doing an amazing job in caring for people in our region, no matter how far away,” Mrs Hogan said.
The partnership with QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, enables 100 percent of funds, raised by participants of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, to support cardiac health services in FNQ match the standard of care in metropolitan regions.
Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Government and Regions Patrick Twomey, who participated in last year’s event, reflected on its spirit.
“Australian Retirement Trust is thrilled to be continuing our sponsorship of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, with this being our fifth year. Last year marked a special milestone as our team participated in the riding challenge for the second time. We’ve eagerly awaited our return of our riding team, who will experience first-hand how the QSuper Cardiac Challenge showcases the community’s power in improving regional health outcomes,” Mr Twomey said.
“It’s an honour to be part of something that delivers hope and care to those who need it most,” Mr Twomey said.
Mrs Hogan said registrations are open for this year’s ride, with funds to go towards a special project that is yet to be announced.
Visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au for more information.
More than $147,342.16 worth of equipment for cardiac outreach has been provided to a team of clinicians who regularly conduct clinics throughout the Far North, ensuring care for those who can't easily travel to Cairns.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Outreach Service Clinical Coordination Manager Karyn Greensill said cardiac outreach throughout the Far North happens almost every day.
Equipment provided includes a dedicated car, ultrasound carts for echocardiogram machines, specialist cardiac ultrasound beds, and a new ECG machine.
Some of the equipment will travel with the clinicians while other devices will stay in some of the remote areas in Thursday Island, Weipa, Bamaga, Cooktown, Atherton, Mareeba, Yarrabah, and Innisfail. This equipment will be available for use by other clinicians when not used by the cardiac outreach service.
“Providing cardiac service and diagnostic tests closer to home reduces the need for the patient to have to travel long distances to Cairns, providing care closer to home wherever we can also frees up resources in Cairns to provide more acute services,” Ms Greensill said.
“Staff that travel to outreach can include cardiologist, registrars, nurses, sonographers and cardiac scientists. Diagnostic tests include echocardiograms and pacemaker checks,” she said.
“We have a very high attendance reviewing more than 3000 patients last year in outreach. We have provided care in 36 locations from Mission Beach to Yorke Island and west to Georgetown covering and area of more than 270,000km – We have the highest number of patients seen by any cardiac outreach service in the state and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“Providing this equipment ensure communities receive high level care. This permits rapid, accurate and non-invasive diagnosis across a broad range of cardiovascular pathologies. More than 1400 patients had an Echocardiogram (saving 1400 trips to Cairns Hospital). We’re incredibly grateful to the QSuper Cardiac Challenge for this equipment that we know is making a difference to patient outcomes every single day. It means we’re able to diagnose and monitor conditions and hopefully manage them more quickly leading to better outcomes.
“Far North Queensland has higher than average rates of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and RHD compared to urban areas. We’re extremely proud of the role that the whole outreach team plays in improving access to Cardiac care for rural and remote residents across the far north.
“Having this equipment allows for quick and efficient set-up for the patient at the clinic so we can maximise the number of patients seen at each clinic.”
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge is now in its 19th year and has provided more than $6 million worth of equipment and services to cardiac and related services in that time.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said results such as these were proof that fundraising through the event was still powerful, worthwhile and making a difference.
“People in remote parts of Cape York and the Torres Strait might not be as visible to us in the cities, but their health concerns are just as valid, they have many more logistical challenges to overcome in gaining health care. But for us, being able to provide equipment to take the health care to the patient, we think that’s a great outcome and we know the clinicians are doing an amazing job in caring for people in our region, no matter how far away,” Mrs Hogan said.
The partnership with QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, enables 100 percent of funds, raised by participants of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, to support cardiac health services in FNQ match the standard of care in metropolitan regions.
Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Government and Regions Patrick Twomey, who participated in last year’s event, reflected on its spirit.
“Australian Retirement Trust is thrilled to be continuing our sponsorship of the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, with this being our fifth year. Last year marked a special milestone as our team participated in the riding challenge for the second time. We’ve eagerly awaited our return of our riding team, who will experience first-hand how the QSuper Cardiac Challenge showcases the community’s power in improving regional health outcomes,” Mr Twomey said.
“It’s an honour to be part of something that delivers hope and care to those who need it most,” Mr Twomey said.
Mrs Hogan said registrations are open for this year’s ride, with funds to go towards a special project that is yet to be announced.
Visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au for more information.
Top photo: Torres and Cape outreach clinical nurse Meghan Draper, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service outreach clinical nurse Karyn Greensill, cardiologist Dr Steve Sutcliffe and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan.
Bottom: The vehicle out-and-about on Desailly Range.
