Life-saving cardiac treatment local doctors say is badly needed won’t be coming soon.
Whether Central Region gets a cardiac catheterization lab is expected to be included as part of an Alberta Health Services review of provincial cardiac care needs, said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman on Tuesday.
“It’s going to take some time,” she said. “When I look back at that report that was received it said sort of a three- to five-year plan around a province-wide system so I think that AHS is probably moving forward with that time frame in mind.
“But that report was received about a year and a half ago.”
Dr. Ted Braun, AHS vice-president and medical director for Central and Southern Alberta zones, said on Monday a study showed advanced cardiac services were feasible in Red Deer, but considerable work needed to be done. It is premature to estimate timelines or costs but more information is expected by spring, he said.
Red Deer cardiac surgeons said they believe they can save about 30 lives a year if Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre gets the catheterization procedure used widely in Edmonton and Calgary hospitals.
Central Alberta heart attack victims are currently given medications that break down clots before they are transferred to Calgary or Edmonton by ground or air ambulance — considered an inferior treatment.
Cardiac catheterization involves inserting a catheter into the heart and opening up blockages with a balloon. Then, in most cases, a stent is inserted to keep the valve open.
A Facebook page, Central Alberta Needs Cardiac Catheterization, debuted last weekend and an online petition launched.
Hoffman was sympathetic to local feelings that lives could be lost through further delay.
“This is a really important issue, and I think that it’s something that hits everyone personally. In thinking about a mom or a dad or a child who could have had their life saved, of course, we want to do everything we can to save that life.
“We know that there are improvements that can be made. I know AHS is taking that into consideration.”
However, AHS’s report makes clear it does not want to see “one-off decisions made in an ad hoc manner and that they want to use our resources the best we can throughout the province,” said Hoffman.
“That includes situations like this. It’s a difficult situation and I appreciate that everyone has great hopes for how we can move forward to provide the best care in all parts of the province.”
Hoffman will be meeting with AHS, Red Deer health representatives and MLAs in Edmonton on Tuesday to discuss cardiac treatment and other issues.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com