KIMS Hospital Makes Space For Thousands Of Cardiology Procedures With New Cath Lab
Blog Health News 3rd June 2024 Enquiries & appointments
Thousands more patients in Kent needing non-surgical heart procedures can be treated in The Cardiology Centre at KIMS Hospital’s recently opened second Catheter Lab (Cath Lab).
The hospital’s Cardiology Centre now has ten times the capacity it had when it first opened in 2014, carrying out just over 240 procedures in the first year, to now having space for 2,400 patients every year, becoming one of the highest volume independent cardiology facilities in the UK.1
Anne Hatswell, Cardiology Service Manager and Lead Nurse, said:
“The Cardiology Centre is one of our busiest departments, treating around 30 patients every day.”
“We see a range of patients, from those who want peace of mind that everything is working well, to those who need fast action to keep their heart working the way it should.
“What makes us unique is that we have a dedicated outpatient and admissions cardiology unit with its own Administration Team, Nurses, Physiologists, Radiographers and Cardiologists. Working as one team, our patients have everything they need under one roof.”
People experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting spells among others, can access the rapid cardiac assessment service without the need for a referral. A specialist Cardiac Nurse will triage their symptoms and place them on to one of eight unique pathways where specific tests and procedures can all be done in one place.
Once diagnosed, patients who require non-surgical heart procedures, including angioplasty to fit a stent which widens a clogged artery, and an ablation procedure or pacemaker implant to help maintain a regular heartbeat can be carried out in one of the two Cath Labs.
Dr Naveen Mudalagari, Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead at KIMS Hospital, said:
“With more than 160,000 people in England reportedly waiting for heart procedures, the Cardiology Centre at KIMS Hospital supports people who don’t have time to wait.”
“The two state of the art cardiac operating catheter suites are used to perform minimally invasive procedures such as angiography, angioplasty (stent insertions) and ablation, as well as pacemaker implants, electrophysiology, and much more.”
“We’re very proud of the unique services we provide at The Cardiology Centre, and I urge anybody experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting spells to take action today. It could be the step that gives you your life back.”
- Based on national private cardiac volumes. Data source: The Private Healthcare Information Network (2022 – 2023)