The upgrade of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Christchurch Hospital has been completed and is now open to patients, significantly enhancing cardiac care services in the South Island. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that this development marks a key milestone in delivering advanced medical services in the region.
The project has resulted in three modern laboratories, with one receiving upgrades in 2021, another earlier in 2023, and the final lab recently completed. According to Minister Brown, Christchurch Hospital is the only facility in the South Island that provides essential electrophysiology and complex structural heart intervention services.
“This upgrade ensures that life-saving interventions, such as acute stenting for heart attacks and advanced electrophysiology treatments, can continue well into the future with the latest technology,” Mr. Brown stated.
Enhanced Capacity and Efficiency
The addition of a third lab has bolstered the hospital’s ability to maintain service capacity, even during maintenance periods. The upgrade has also expanded insourcing capacity, allowing for an additional three treatment sessions over 1.5 days each week. These enhancements are already contributing to a reduction in waitlists, enabling patients to receive timely access to critical treatments.
The new facilities incorporate advanced imaging and diagnostic technology, which improves precision during complex procedures. Additionally, the upgrades have reduced radiation exposure, enhancing safety for both patients and medical staff. More streamlined operational systems mean that procedures can now be performed more efficiently, allowing for a greater number of patients to be treated in a shorter time frame.
Regional Impact and Future Prospects
South Island Minister James Meager emphasized the positive implications of the upgrade for residents throughout the region. “This is fantastic news for South Islanders. Patients and their families can have confidence that the specialist care they rely on is being delivered with the latest technology, greater capacity, and improved resilience.”
Mr. Meager highlighted that individuals from Nelson to Invercargill will benefit from quicker access to care and improved health outcomes.
Minister Brown concluded by reaffirming the hospital’s role as a centre of excellence for cardiac interventions in the South Island. “We’re focused on ensuring all New Zealanders, including those in the South Island, can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it. The completion of this project safeguards the heart health of thousands of New Zealanders and ensures patients have access to the very best in modern cardiac care, closer to home.”
With these upgrades, Christchurch Hospital is set to play a pivotal role in advancing cardiac health services, ultimately benefiting the entire South Island community.
