Residents of central west NSW in need of a pacemaker will no longer need to travel to Sydney for the procedure, with Dudley Private Hospital in Orange now equipped to perform the potentially life-saving surgery.
Brian Terry, 90, of Condobolin received the first ever pacemaker fitted in the region last week.
“I’m doing well, still a little sore. I’m happy to be in my own home,” Mr Terry said.
A pacemaker is a small device that’s implanted in the chest to help control a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Dudley Private Hospital Head of Cardiology, Dr David Amos, said: “Thanks to the new cardiac catheter laboratory at Dudley Private Hospital and the support of Ramsay Health Care we can very safely fit pacemakers, and replace those with battery issues, here in Orange.
“Pacemaker patients are often elderly and getting to Sydney can be a challenge for them and their families. Being able to have the procedure in Orange is a major step forward for cardiology patients in the region.”
Mr Terry’s pacemaker was fitted by specialist Dr Caroline Medi, who visits Orange regularly from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. However, Dr Amos said a new cardiologist, Dr Sameer Karve has now moved to Orange and is currently completing fellowship training in cardiac device implantation and will be here full time from next year.
“I’m pleased Dudley Private Hospital can offer this important procedure, right here in Orange,” said Dudley Private Hospital CEO, Paul McKenna.
“We’re committed to continually improving our services to offer central west NSW residents the best possible care, close to home.”
