Island Health Plans New Pacemaker Room Amid Cardiac Care Demand

Island Health is developing plans to establish a specialized room for pacemaker insertions in Victoria, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for cardiology services. This initiative was discussed during a board meeting on December 3, 2023, where Marko Peljhan, vice-president of acute clinical operations and provincial programs at Island Health, responded to questions regarding a proposed “cath lab procedure room” at Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Although details from a draft report by KPMG have not been publicly released, Peljhan confirmed it includes considerations for expansion in Victoria, specifically to create a device room for pacemaker procedures. He emphasized that while this room could potentially function as a cath lab, that is not its intended purpose. “We’re aware of that and we’re working through an approach to be able to fund that, but it actually is not formally approved,” Peljhan stated.

The creation of this room is seen as a necessary step to manage the growing backlog for pacemaker insertions. Peljhan explained that the diagnostic and treatment centre at the Jubilee was originally designed as a functioning device room when it opened in 2001, and plans are in place to restore it to that function without incurring significant construction costs.

Addressing Cardiology Needs Across the Region

Island Health’s priorities also extend beyond the Victoria area. The health authority highlighted the urgent need to expand cardiology services, including electrophysiology and catheterization procedures, to alleviate long waitlists. In a follow-up communication, Island Health reiterated that while the concept is in development, the project does not yet have formal approval.

“Cardiology services… have been identified as needing to grow. The report also notes services that need to expand immediately to reduce waitlists,” the health authority stated. The funding model for such capital projects typically involves a cost-sharing arrangement, with local hospital districts contributing 40% and the provincial government covering the remaining 60%.

Advocates for equitable health care, including the Fair Care Alliance, have voiced increasing urgency for a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. This autumn, they emphasized the critical need for enhanced services, citing rising patient demand in the north and mid-Island areas.

During the recent board meeting, Peljhan acknowledged the significant support from the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District in pursuing the establishment of a cath lab in the community. “There’s a lot of community support for it and how we get there is going to be key,” he remarked.

The commitment from the regional hospital district includes funding for a business plan for the proposed cath lab, aimed at accelerating the process. Peljhan noted that discussions with health authority leadership and local stakeholders are vital as part of a broader master site campus plan, which envisions future upgrades to the Nanaimo campus, including enhanced cardiology services.

As health authorities work to address these critical needs, the focus remains on improving access to cardiac care for patients across the region.