THIS is in response to an article published by the New Straits Times on Dec 29, “Upgrade hospital’s cardiothoracic unit”. “One cannot help but feel that the unit is being neglected and treated like a stepchild,” said the writer.
The cardiothoracic unit at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) in Kota Baru was developed in 2010. HRPZ II is one of seven government hospitals offering cardiothoracic services, a combination of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and cardiothoracic anesthesia services.
It is headed by cardiothoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Anas S. Ressang, supported by a team of specialists, medical officers and allied health personnel.
Over the years, the staff members have increased. They were also sent for training in other cardiothoracic centres, for example, Penang Hospital.
The cardiothoracic service at HRPZ II has one operation theatre, a five-bedded Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit with dedicated staff and a 12-bed cardiothoracic ward. The unit was initially allocated RM2.5 million in 2011 and in 2016, RM6 million to run the service.
To date, 467 patients have undergone surgery at this unit; 182 cases for coronary artery bypass graft, 77 for valve operation, 48 for thoracic procedures, 45 congenital cases and 115 for other procedures.
Over the years, the people of Kelantan and northern Terengganu have benefited from the cardiothoracic services at HRPZ II.
Recently, new cardiology services have been made available in Kelantan.
One is the catheterisation lab (CATH Lab), an invasive cardiology lab for performing invasive procedures, such as angiogram for heart cases, to support the cardiothoracic services at HRPZ II.
Prior to this, HRPZ II used the CATH Lab at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian, 6km away. Having an in-house CATH Lab has complemented the cardiothoracic services and more emergency cases can be done quickly.
Other than HRPZ II, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital also provides cardiothoracic services since 2003.
It has two cardiothoracic surgeons and three cardiologists. A total of 1,800 patients have undergone heart surgeries at this hospital since its opening.
In summary, the Cardiothoracic Unit at HRPZ II has never been closed.
Neither is there a plan to close it down.
Efforts have been made to upgrade the service in line with the Health Ministry’s policy.
Whether it stands as a unit or department, it is just an administrative matter.
But a dedicated, committed and competent team serving the unit is the most important parameter towards the success of the unit to serve the people of Kelantan.
The support and cooperation from other government hospital cardiothoracic centres and the ministry will ensure the sustainability of the service at HRPZ ll.
DATUK DR AHMAD RAZIN AHMAD MAHIR
Kelantan Health director