Page 43 - ANZCP Gazette NOVEMBER 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 did little to change life in the tropics. We were lucky to have very little COVID here early on in the pandemic and consequently did not face many months of lockdown after the initial period. That meant that we were still operating at almost our usual pace as the hospital had seldom any patients with COVID admitted. The flu season has impacted us more, with our list being reduced over the last couple of months. Omicron is causing staff shortages but luckily everyone is vaccinated and so back on board quickly. Our beautiful weather continues and we were able to enjoy life through these trying times.
An ECMO program was established three years ago using the Alfred model. Two Cardiohelps were purchased. The plan is for patients to be looked after for the short term. For longer support, the patients are transferred to Brisbane. So far only ten patients have been treated. This did mean that the hospital was prepared for COVID ECMO. To date only one patient has been put on for COVID but unfortunately did not survive after several weeks in our ICU. The perfusion department was very glad of the service being ICU lead as they were not overworked looking after the patient.
The most exciting news is that in May we welcomed Holly Gleave into the team. Holly comes with a nursing
background and has fitted into the team well. The hospital has acknowledged the growing age of our department and so have agreed to a second trainee, who should be starting in September. Holly will begin the MUSC perfusion course this year. Number two may not be employed soon enough to start this year, so will do the course next year. We are all very excited to be able to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation. Even more excitedly, we will soon be free to use up all our holidays that have accrued over the years.
Supply chain issues have been the most pressing problem that we have faced recently. Let’s hope that these problems are sorted soon. TUH has used Terumo System1 heart lung machines since 2006. Two new machines are on order. Again, the time frame for delivery has been an issue.
Our unit has been excited to see that the College has now got a list of units that are happy for visitors. TUH would be happy for anyone to visit. We are the only unit in Australia with the Terumo System 1. For anyone wanting to see one in action – we are the place to go.
We are looking forward to catching up with our peers at the conference in Cairns. It will be so good to once again have an in-person conference at last and in the sunny far north.
Townsville University Hospital, Queensland Helen Scarrott CCP, FANZCP
Trainee Holly Gleave being supervised by Monica Luque
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