First cath lab opens in Gippsland

Gippsland’s first catheterisation laboratory for cardiac surgery at Latrobe Regional Hospital is now complete.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy toured the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab, built as part of the $73 million redevelopment of Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Cath labs are used for lifesaving heart procedures such as stenting, angiography, inserting pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.

Instead of being transferred to Melbourne, Gippsland patients will have the world-class cardiac surgery and care they deserve, right on their doorstep.

The new cath lab is expected to treat its first patients in December this year. "Patients with cardiovascular disease in Gippsland will soon have better access to lifesaving cardiac care with the region’s first ever cath lab," Ms Hennessy said. "We are making sure more Victorians – no matter where they live – get the care they need, faster."

The Latrobe Regional Hospital features a 12-bed short stay unit, 30-bed acute in-patient ward, two endoscopy rooms and new main entrance and a new emergency department – doubling the previous capacity.