UPDATE: How the Cath-lab procedure saved a life in the Heart Centre
By: Ruth Namutebi Patient Care Coordinator Our Lady of Consolata – Kisubi Hospital
Email: namutebi68@gmail.com
On Sunday, 3rd May 2020, just like any other day at the Outpatient department it was quite busy, patients waiting in queues for the doctors and so many other activities at the triage area and the cash point. Among the patients we received was a 69year old lady who arrived at the entrance on a boda-boda being supported by a relative. Due to her condition she was taken straight to the Emergency Unit with severe chest pain and within minutes of arrival suffered a cardiac arrest as they were carrying out an ECG. Our emergency staff did their best to manage the patient until she was brought back to her rhythm. But her condition continued to remain critical with continued chest pain and very low blood pressure (cardiogenic shock)
Immediately after resuscitation, the ECG scan done confirmed the diagnosis of a heart attack and as they consulted with the Cardiologist he immediately recommended for an intervention. After the next of kin was briefed she contacted their family doctor who recommended the same procedure. It was at this stage that the relatives started mobilizing funds as they were not prepared for any procedure.
While the other formalities were being worked out, the patient was immediately transferred to the Heart Centre for more advanced care where the cardiac staff had already arranged for the procedure. Within hours the Interventional Cardiologist was already in the Cath-lab Procedure Room preparing the patient for an Angioplasty (A medical procedure that opens up a blocked artery around the heart to improve blood flow).
I would probably imagine that this patient did not expect to undergo such a procedure which required great expertise but we thank God that she was in the right place at the right time. The outcome could have been worse if the Hospital had not acquired this Cath-lab machine and opened the Heart Centre because according to the doctor she had very few chances of survival if they had not made a timely intervention.
All this happened during the Covid-19 Pandemic crisis when the lockdown limited the supply of branded drugs and sundries, movement of Cath-lab nurses who stay in Kampala and shortage of funds with limited ways of acquiring money for procedures. However, despite all complications in these abnormal times, the facility was able to execute the proper treatment our patient deserved.
She was discharged on her third day in the hospital and as I stood at the Heart Centre Reception watching her walk out very excited waving at the nurses appreciating their efforts in working tirelessly to save her life, deep down I wondered how many patients in this part of the world die before getting this specialized treatment. It could have been worse if she had come before these new services were introduced in our hospital.
Since December 2019 when Kisubi Hospital unveiled the Heart Centre, we have treated a number of patients and carried out several investigations and procedures hence saving lives. Many patients we have worked on had been recommended by their doctors to fly to India for further treatment but when they realized that our facility can comfortably handle they booked in and successfully underwent treatment.
Since we launched the Heart Centre we have had two Cardiac Camps so far which were very successful and created awareness to the public who had no knowledge of our new services. Our Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Shetty Sanmath and the Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Prossy Mugaba are available for consultation during the week and on call in the non-peak hours which makes it easy to reach them.
It is because of the availability of these specialists that we have now started receiving regional patients. We are able to arrange for accommodation and meals for such patients who are away from home.
About Kisubi Hospital
By Rose Naluwooza
Kisubi Hospital is an ultramodern medical facility that offers medical care to a wide range of infirmities. We spoke to the management of the hospital who told us what to do.
Monday Times: Good morning Sir. Tell us a bit about what Kisubi Hospital does?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: Our hospital is called Our Lady of Consolata Kisubi Hospital. It is a well advanced, modern and updated hospital committed to providing quality health care. We have different types of services. The first is Hospital Services. Under this we have:
- Pediatrics
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics and gynaecologist
- Diabetic /hypertension
- Ear nose and throat
- Orthopedic/ physiotherapy
- Endoscopy
- CT Scan
- Dermatology
- Urology
- Fertility Clinic
- Natural Family Planning (NFP)
- General and Private HIV Clinics
- And others.
We also have Kisubi Hospital Heart Centre Services Cardiology Investigations in which we have:
– Resting ECG
– Stress ECG and Exercise testing
– Echocardiography (Echo)
We then have Cath Lab Services:
– Coronary Angiogram (CAG)
− PCI – Percutaneous coronary intervention such as angioplasty and/or stenting
− PDA & ASD Closure
− Transvenous insertion of permanent Pacemakers.
Monday Times: This is impressive. So how different are you from other medical facilities?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: We have very good personnel, the facilities are well equipped and we have many services under one roof.
Monday Times: Okay. What are your working hours a day and what days of the week do you work?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: We work twenty four hours a day across the year.
Monday Times: Do you extend your services outside the hospital?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: Yes we can on special arrangement. We also have ambulance services.
Monday Times: How are your prices like?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: They are affordable.
Monday Times: How can someone maintain their health?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: They need to do regular check ups and pay attention to a healthy diet.
Monday Times: Where are you located?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: 24 kilometers along Entebbe Highway, 1 kilometers off the Highway at Kawuku Stage.
Monday Times: Are you on social media?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: Yes we are.
Monday Times: What are your handles?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/kisubihospital We also have a website at http://www.kisubihospital.co.ug/ We also have email addresses: kisubi@ucmb.co.ug or customercare@kisubihospital.co.ug
Monday Times: What are your telephone contacts?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: +256751881773/+256756746287/+256700541667/+256776237513
Monday Times: Any last word for the public?
Management of Kisubi Hospital: Yes, we wish them good health and ask them to see us if they have medical challenges.
