David Sewell is helping streamline cardiac services at Wollongong Private Hospital. Photo: Ramsay Health Care.
Cardiac patients across the Illawarra can now access an even higher quality of care and reduced wait times with Wollongong Private Hospital boasting the addition of one of the few specialised cardiac nurse practitioners in the country.
David Sewell completed his master’s degree and, along with 15 years of cardiac nursing experience, plans to use his new qualification to speed up, streamline and support the health care experience of those in the region.
“As a nurse practitioner I am able to take on some of the work traditionally performed by a cardiac specialist, reducing the wait time for these services and procedures,” David said.
“I can diagnose patients and determine their treatment and care plans including prescribing medications, ordering scans and radiology and providing referrals to the necessary specialists and other health providers.
“I can also perform a range of minor surgical procedures, allowing these patients to be treated without delay.”
By taking on additional tasks, David will not only help improve access for more patients but also be able to provide consistent, expert care throughout their whole health process, not just the procedure itself.
“My main goal is to streamline care for local patients, supporting them through their transition to and from cardiac surgery,” he said.
“I can guide patients through their cardiac care journey from diagnosis, to preparing and undergoing surgery, followed by secondary prevention strategies in cardiac rehabilitation.”
As an Illawarra local who studied nursing at the University of Wollongong, David said he was proud to take on the new role and boost the Illawarra’s cardiac service.
“It’s a big role but the satisfaction of guiding local patients through their surgical journey makes it worth it,” he said.
“I hope I can use my new, expanded skillset to improve the service we provide and make it the safest, most efficient, most pleasant experience possible for our patients.”
The team at Wollongong Private Hospital has completed more than a thousand life-saving procedures in the three years since it was introduced to the region, reducing the need for patients to travel to Sydney for treatment.
Wollongong Private Hospital CEO Adrian Bautista was thrilled to further expand the care team to benefit patients in the area.
“It’s wonderful to have David onboard to support local patients on their journey through cardiac surgery,” he said.
“We’re proud to have a wonderful cardiac care program here in Wollongong, offering the Illawarra community the heart health support they need, close to home.
“I’m excited to add David, as a nurse practitioner, to our experienced team of cardiac specialists, nurses, support and allied health staff here at Wollongong Private Hospital.”
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