One year anniversary of Heart, Lung and Critical Care Division

A Year of Innovation and Excellence: Princess alexandra hospital’s Heart,Lung and Critical Care Division Marks First Anniversary

The Division of Heart,Lung and Critical Care at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) is celebrating it’s first anniversary,a year marked by remarkable achievements in patient care,innovation,and collaboration.

Since its inception, the Division has overseen a significant volume of patient activity. This includes over 70,000 Emergency Department presentations, nearly 200,000 radiology examinations, 20,000 inpatient stays, over 1,000 surgical procedures, and close to 8,000 Intensive Care bed days.

“This was a significant change for PAH after many years with the same divisional structure,” said Divisional director sarah Rollins. “While we worked through certain challenges, the past year has been filled with remarkable achievements for each department.”

A Showcase of Success

The Division cites several notable achievements that exemplify its commitment to excellence:

• The Emergency Department demonstrated exceptional adaptability by quickly modifying and expanding its Offload Initiative (OLI) in response to changing demands. This agility earned recognition from both the Director-General and the Health Minister.
• PAH pioneered Australia’s first Toxicology Nurse practitioner program, establishing PAH as a leader in this specialized field.
• The Cardiology unit implemented the POGO model, collaborating with Logan Hospital and other hospitals within Health Service to improve access to cardiac catheterization labs.
• Cardiology also implemented innovative changes within the Coronary Care Unit, installing doors in two bays to optimize patient flow and enhance privacy for those requiring single-room accommodations.
• A new streamlined process was established with the Medical assessment Prioritization Unit (MAPU) to facilitate post-pacemaker care, minimizing delays and reducing clinical risks for patients following this procedure.
• Ward 3C demonstrated leadership in early discharge models, achieving an average reduction of one day in length of stay compared to similar services.
• Radiology expanded its primary CT hours, alleviating pressure on the Emergency Department CT service and enhanced its weekend services.
• The Integrated Theranostics Center received the prestigious Metro South Health Ambitious Innovation Award for its groundbreaking achievements.
• Additional nursing staff in the Cardiac Catheter Lab and Radiology have streamlined conscious sedation procedures.
• Respiratory and Sleep Medicine welcomed the Metro South Clinical Tuberculosis Service,now integrated as the Department of Respiratory,Sleep and Mycobacterial Medicine.
• Sleep Medicine successfully implemented a temporary initiative to reduce outpatient wait times, working collaboratively with other health services to manage sleep medicine referrals more effectively.
• A strategic focus on providing in-hospital care to patients instead of transferring them to other facilities has significantly reduced the number of “outliers.” This approach prioritizes patient care and promotes better outcomes.
• The CAREPACT team continues to implement prosperous initiatives, including a program where Residential Aged Care nurses shadow doctors in the Emergency Department to gain a better understanding of their residents’ hospital experiences.
• The After Hours Care Unit, which joined the division mid-year, has made significant contributions to improving after-hours care and response times to medical emergencies (MET calls).
• The establishment of the Heart and Lung Research Centre has positioned PAH as a leader in advancing research and improving outcomes for patients with heart and lung conditions. Notably, Cardiology is conducting first-in-human trials, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Jeremy Wellwood, Executive Director of PAH, praised the division’s accomplishments and emphasized the potential for future growth:

“The rationale for developing a new division was founded in the need to reduce the size of some existing divisions and integrate units like Radiology and ED into the operational management of the hospital,” he said. “It’s clear that you have found ways to synergize and leverage those connections to achieve some great outcomes. There are things like research and the academic focus that PA is really well known for that are a great foundation to build on using the momentum of this new division.”

As the Division of Heart, Lung and Critical Care enters its second year, it is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care.

How have thes improvements in the Heart, Lung and Critical Care Division impacted yoru or a loved one’s experience at PAH?

Interview: Paving the Way in Cardiac Care – Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Heart Lung and Critical Care Division

Archyde News sits down with Dr. Sarah Rollins, Divisional Director of the Heart, Lung and Critical Care Division at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), to discuss it’s remarkable first year and plans for the future.

Celebrating a Year of Milestones

Divisional Director Dr. Sarah Rollins,tell us about the Division’s first year and some of its major achievements?

“The first year has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs,” says Dr. Rollins. “We’ve seen a meaningful increase in patient activity, with over 70,000 Emergency Department presentations, nearly 200,000 radiology examinations, and close to 8,000 Intensive Care bed days. Despite the changes, our departments have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and commitment to excellence.”

Innovation in Action

Some of the Division’s achievements include pioneering the first Toxicology Nurse Practitioner program in Australia and streamlining post-pacemaker care. Can you share more about these innovations?

“The Toxicology program has been a game-changer,” says Dr. Rollins. “It has allowed us to better manage patients experiencing poisoning or drug overdose, improving outcomes and reducing wait times. The new post-pacemaker care process has minimized clinical risks and delays,enhancing our patients’ overall experience.”

Collaboration and Synergies

The Division has also seen several successful collaborations,such as the POGO model for cardiac catheterization labs and the establishment of the Heart and Lung Research Center. How have these collaborations contributed to the Division’s success?

“Collaboration has been key to our success,” notes Dr.Rollins. “The POGO model has improved access to services, while the Heart and Lung Research Centre has positioned PAH at the forefront of medical innovation. We’re pushing boundaries with first-in-human trials, and it’s incredibly exciting.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Year Two

What are your plans for the upcoming year, and what should patients and the community expect from the Division?

“We’re building on the momentum of our first year and expanding our focus on research and academic excellence,” says Dr. Rollins. “Patients can expect improved access to services, quicker treatment times, and more clinical trials. we’re committed to being a leader in heart and lung care, both in Australia and globally.”

Thoughts from Our Readers

How have these improvements in the Heart, Lung and Critical Care Division impacted your or a loved one’s experience at PAH? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!