Thousands of cardiac patients in remote parts of Cape York and the Torres Strait will have better  outcomes because cyclists rode their bikes to Cooktown. 

More than $147,000 worth of equipment for cardiac outreach has been provided to a team of  clinicians who regularly conduct clinics throughout the Far North, ensuring care for those who can't easily travel to Cairns. 

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Outreach Service clinical coordination manager Karyn Greensill said cardiac outreach throughout the Far North happens almost every day. Equipment provided includes a dedicated car, ultrasound carts for echocardiogram machines, specialist cardiac ultrasound beds, and a new ECG machine.  

Some of the equipment will travel with the clinicians while other devices will stay in some of the  remote areas in Thursday Island, Weipa, Bamaga, Cooktown, Atherton, Mareeba, Yarrabah, and  Innisfail. This equipment will be available for use by other clinicians when not used by the cardiac  outreach service. 

“Providing cardiac service and diagnostic tests closer to home reduces the need for the patient to have to travel long distances to Cairns, providing care closer to home wherever we can also frees up resources in Cairns to provide more acute services,” Ms Greensill said.  

“Staff that travel to outreach can include cardiologist, registrars, nurses, sonographers and cardiac scientists. Diagnostic tests include echocardiograms and pacemaker checks,” she said. “We have a very high attendance reviewing more than 3000 patients last year in outreach. We have  provided care in 36 locations from Mission Beach to Yorke Island and west to Georgetown covering an area of more than 270,000km – We have the highest number of patients seen by any cardiac outreach service in the state and I’m sure this year will be no different. 

“Providing this equipment ensures communities receive high level care. This permits rapid, accurate  and non-invasive diagnosis across a broad range of cardiovascular pathologies. More than 1400 patients had an Echocardiogram (saving 1400 trips to Cairns Hospital). We’re incredibly grateful to the QSuper Cardiac Challenge for this equipment that we know is making a difference to patient outcomes every single day. It means we’re able to diagnose and monitor conditions and hopefully  manage them more quickly leading to better outcomes. 

“Far North Queensland has higher than average rates of heart disease, including coronary artery  disease, heart failure and RHD compared to urban areas. We’re extremely proud of the role that the  whole outreach team plays in improving access to Cardiac care for rural and remote residents across the Far North. 

“Having this equipment allows for quick and efficient set-up for the patient at the clinic so we can  maximise the number of patients seen at each clinic.”