New technology in the Cancer Centre is helping patients receive potentially life-saving diagnostics

A new electrocardiogram (ECG) machine is now in place at the Cancer Centre that is helping to improve patient flow, access to technology and resulting in quicker turnaround to diagnostics. Prior to the arrival of this new machine, patients who required an ECG would have to wait until one was available elsewhere in the hospital and then brought to the Cancer Centre. This could result in significant wait times for patients and now, that wait is no more.

“This new machine enables us to check on patients rapidly and helps to keep the flow going for patients who have this as part of their routine checkup,” says Nicole O’Callaghan, Program Manager, South East Regional Cancer Program. “Our patients have enough on their minds and we now have a unique opportunity to help them receive potentially life-saving diagnostics in a timely manner.”

An ECG machine is a tool that is used to check a patient’s heart rhythm and electrical activity. For cancer patients this information helps the care team understand how a patient’s heart is functioning. For many cancer patients this is a critical tool to asses and monitor heart rhythm as certain cancers and cancer treatments can affect the heart.

The team at the Cancer Centre worked closely with the ECG team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre for their expertise and guidance on ensuring they obtained the most cutting-edge technology. The ECG team is also leading all of the refresh training on using the machine for all registered nurses and registered practical nurses in the Cancer Centre. Every day, dozens of patients are now benefitting from this new machine.

The purchase of this new ECG machine was made possible through a generous donation to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.