Cardiac Team at SEHSCT wins prestigious INCA award for excellence
The Cardiac Team based in the Ulster and Lagan Valley Hospital Cardiac Centres was delighted to win an ‘INCA Excellence Award for Acute Cardiac Care’ at a ceremony held on the 25 March 2023 in Trinity College, Dublin.
The Team was shortlisted in the category of ‘Acute Cardiology Team’ and placed in the top three – a huge achievement given that a total of 22 other nominations were received in this category from across Ireland.
A small delegation from the Team attended the ceremony in Dublin to accept the award on behalf of their colleagues from the Acute Care Team.
Cardiac Centres provide rapid access to services that include same day or same week assessment, depending on patient need and clinical urgency.
It is a vital service for medical management as well as diagnostic cardiac tests such as ECG, Echo and Cardiac CT.
The Centre also plays a vital role in helping to reduce delays in patient care and the need to attend an Emergency Department.
Last year, over 2,000 patients attended a Trust Cardiac Centre and in the last quarter alone, 586 patients accessed cardiac centre services. Many of these patients avoided admission to hospital after being assessed and treated by the Cardiac Team.
Cardiology Operational Manager, Noel Black is really proud of the entire team. He said: “The Cardiac Centres at the Ulster and Lagan Valley Hospitals provide excellent diagnostic and treatment services for cardiology patients within the South Eastern Trust area.
“These services are delivered by a fantastic Multidisciplinary Team of Medical Staff, Nurses, Physiologists, Radiographers, Pharmacists, and Administration Teams. The teamwork is exemplary across this array of highly motivated, experienced, and patient focused professionals.
“Very well done to the Cardiac Team on receiving another award which recognises its excellence.”
Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Patrick Donnelly added his congratulations and said: “Despite very stiff competition, everyone in the Cardiac Centre team have again had their work recognised on a national stage. Without their dedication and ‘can do’ approach this achievement would not have been possible.
“A special thank you to our specialist doctors and nurses who, on a daily basis, deliver compassionate advice and timely treatment for our patients, who would otherwise be admitted to our Emergency Department, or languish on waiting lists.”
“Finally I think that it should be recognised that without the South Eastern Trust’s culture of empathy and patient centred care, innovations like the Cardiac Centre would not have been possible.”
Ward Sister, Lauren Thomas said: “We as a multidisciplinary team are delighted to accept this award which is recognition for the high quality service that the Cardiac Centre provides.
“It is an honour to be recognised for the high quality patient centred care we deliver to our local community. I am proud of all the services provided by the team with particular reference to our Nurse-led services.”
