PHOTO/LAVINIA KERR ROSEANNE ROCCA joins the staff at the Headwaters Health Unit as a cardiac technologists. She is holding two of the portable units used by patients to monitor cardiac symptoms, away from the hospital. In its effort to improve services locally, Headwaters Health Care Centre now offers, in partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre, the best emergency heart care available.

An agreement signed in the fall between the two hospitals began an innovative partnership that provides this community with access to a range of comprehensive services.

Joining the staff at Headwaters is Roseanne Rocca, a registered cardio technologist who will provide the cardiac diagnostic services within the rehabilitation department when patients are referred by their doctor.

Ms. Rocca is available to work with patients and the patient is fitted,depending on need, with one of two electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors.

"These devices are an accurate record of what the heart is doing," Ms. Rocca said.

"The patient is able to be away from the hospital and continue to provide current information about their condition."

The holter monitor is a test used for 24 to 72 hours which continuously records what the heart is doing when a patient is experiencing chest pains or irregular heartbeats.

The loop event recorder can be worn for up to two weeks at a time and is patient-activated when he or she has symptoms.

The information from the monitors is downloaded at the hospital through a telephone line and the results are reported to physicians.

"It's another tool doctors use in carrying for their cardiac patients."

Kathryn Hunt, media spokesperson for Headwaters, said the hospital now can provide pre- and postoperative care for cardiac patients closer to home.

"The outpatient cardiac service and the agreement with Southlake Regional is another step in providing the best patient care available by reducing wait time for tests and faster reporting of results on patients to their doctors."

The cardiac service also includes electrocardiogram (ECG) testing, exercise stress testing, a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

The patient is required to wear the monitor overnight and return to the hospital the next day. The test will have recorded about 35-readings in that period of time.

"This is a great addition for patients in the area," said Ms. Hunt. "By taking advantage of portable units, patients are able to stay closer to home, reducing the need for hospital stays which can be stressful for the patient and their families."