Hospital admission rates for patients with chest pain are increasing

10/11/99
Hospital admission rates for patients with chest pain are on the increase, according to Health Minister John Day.
Opening the St John of God Chest Pain Clinic, Mr Day said that although admission rates had increased, mortality rates had decreased substantially.
"Since the early 1970s mortality due to ischaemic heart disease has declined, falling to around one third of its highest level in the 1960s," he said.
"Ten years ago, more than 375 per 100,000 Western Australians died from ischaemic heart disease, compared with 238 per 100,000 in 1997.
"As our technology and services for chest pain increase, as expected, our mortality rates for heart disease decrease."
Mr Day said the new Chest Pain Centre would provide the public with the most up-to-date service with some of the best clinicians in the country.
"The around-the-clock support ensures patients with acute chest pain receive the best possible care in a manner which recognises the importance of acting quickly and efficiently," he said.
"The centre is a combination of the latest technology with the experience of the cardiologists, and the compassion and dedication of the medical and nursing staff."
Mr Day said the State Government recognised the need for strong, viable private hospitals in Western Australia.
"This hospital and others in the St John of God Health Care Group are intrinsically part of health care in this state," he said.
"The State Government has a commitment to encourage greater involvement of the private health sector in the provision of health services for public patients."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600