Ballarat Health Services cardiac care expands

The second ‘cath lab’ will abut the existing cath lab at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, offering more facilities, technology and recovery space for cardiac surgery and care. This includes cardiovascular procedures like inserting stents, implantable defibrillators and pacemakers

Ballarat is the worst region in the state for cardiovascular disease. Ms Hennessy said this was concerning and initiatives to get people eating better and moving more were vital but, at the same time, it was important the region was at the forefront and had the capacity to treat cardiac patients.

“It is really important that when people have a cardiac arrest or other forms of cardiac disease that we are able to make sure it doesn’t mean the end of a good life,” Ms Hennessy said. “That’s why doing things like putting in pacemakers and stents can give people that second lease on life – and we want people to take that second lease on life – but we’ve got to make sure we don’t lose sight of the important preventative agenda that is also critical, particularly with the prevalence of cardiac disease in this region.”

Preliminary works on the $10 million cath lab construction started about three weeks ago under Ballarat contractor SJ Weir.

In her visit on Monday, Ms Hennessy also said she was satisfied with updates on the BHS board and new leadership’s ongoing changes to stamp out a bullying culture.

Meanwhile, BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser confirmed the health service had recovered all but a $2,500 insurance gap after it was victim to a sophisticated, signficant case of identity fraud. The matter was under police investigation in July.

Mr Fraser said auditors deemed BHS staff had followed set processes. BHS is in the process of strengthening security controls for its financial services. Mr Fraser said there had been no impact on patient services.