15th October 2020
The Southern Trust’s Clinical Physiologist team has come highly commended in the prestigious BMJ (British Medical Journal) awards.
The team was shortlisted in the ‘Diagnostics Team Category’ for introducing a new procedure to implant cardiac monitors in patients.
Known as Implantable Loop Recorders, the monitors which are patient activated and automatic recording devices, are used to keep check on people with increased risk of Cardiac irregularities (Arrhythmia).
Traditionally carried out by Consultant Cardiologists in a theatre setting, the procedure to implant recorders could mean a full day in hospital for patients.
However, with recent progress, devices are now much smaller and the procedure can take place outside of a theatre environment. Implantation now only takes a matter of minutes, offering patients a much easier experience whilst freeing up theatre space and Consultant time for more complex procedures.
Congratulating the team on their UK wide recognition, Kay Carroll, Head of Service for Cardiology for the Southern Trust explains:
“With the support of consultant cardiologists, our physiologists were the first in Northern Ireland to introduce this new technique and as a result have given their service a very welcome boost.
“With advancing technology, Loop Recorders are now much smaller and so rather than continuing to bring patients through a lengthy theatre visit for implantation, this safe alternative within the Cath Lab setting offers patients a more relaxed experience whilst Consultant time can be used for more invasive procedures like pacemakers.
“I am delighted that the team have received this much deserved recognition for their commitment to improving the quality of their service and giving patients a much better experience.”