SBGHC has announced echocardiography services will be expanded as of April at the Kincardine hospital.

A release issued on Mar. 19 stated to further support SBGHC’s cardiology program at the Kincardine site, a second ultrasound machine for echocardiography and full time technologist will be added at the Kincardine site in April 2021, increasing capacity to approximately 2,700 exams per year in Kincardine. SBGHC currently completes approximately 1,900 echocardiography exams each year in Kincardine and Walkerton combined.

Since 2017, a team of four general and subspecialty cardiologists, with expertise in electrophysiology, interventional cardiology and heart failure, have been conducting clinics on a weekly basis in Kincardine and interpreting SBGHC’s echocardiography exams, making the site a referral centre for cardiology and echocardiography.

The new equipment, that includes functionality to complete pediatric patients, has been funded by the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, totaling $194K.

“The Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation is pleased to support enhancements to the echocardiography service at the Kincardine hospital,” said Becky Fair, Foundation president. “This would not be possible without the generosity of our community. The Foundation looks forward to the continued support as we plan our fundraising efforts in 2021.”

“SBGHC is proud to be able to provide this specialized service in Grey Bruce so that patients do not have to travel to larger centres,” said Michael Barrett, SBGHC president & CEO. “The ongoing support of the Kincardine Foundation has made this program expansion possible. The Foundation’s significant contribution to purchase a new ultrasound machine for echocardiography will ensure that SBGHC can improve access to this important service for the Kincardine community and surrounding area.”