Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital
Part of Ramsay Health Care

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Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital leading the way with new cardiac care program

May 09, 2024

Sunshine Coast residents who have experienced a stroke will now have easier access to potentially life-saving cardiac care, with the rollout of a new nurse-led Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) service at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH).

Nurse practitioner Tara Willcocks is the first Ramsay Health Care nurse in Australia to be trained to complete ILR procedures which are traditionally performed by cardiologists.

Ms Willcocks has been trained by cardiologist Dr Stuart Butterly who operates at SCUPH.

Dr Butterly said the program is designed to reduce patient wait times and enhance the patient experience, all while increasing the capacity of local cardiac services.

“This nurse-led program will allow patients to be treated without delay and hopefully improve outcomes for those at-risk patients,” Dr Butterly said.

“The ILR procedure involves a small diagnostic device being implanted in the chest of stroke patients to detect cardiac arrythmias and help determine further treatment options. Using a tablet, Tara can conveniently activate the ILR, and program the device parameters according to the patients' needs.”

Ms Willcocks said learning to complete the potentially life-saving procedure has been rewarding.

“Learning from Dr Butterly has been an incredible experience. It feels wonderful to be one of just a few nurses in the country trained to complete this procedure,” Ms Willcocks said.

"This new service is a testament to the passion and innovative thinking from the leadership team at SCUPH. Everyone in the cardiology service here is committed to advancing healthcare and thinking outside the box to offer more Australians greater health outcomes and a brighter and healthier future.”

Nurse led implants