A new Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) service has been launched in the Radiology Department at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Patients from Donegal previously had to travel to a hospital in Dublin to have the imaging performed.
This service is now available in LUH under the guidance of consultant cardiologist Dr. Manuel Ramos, a specialist in cardiac imaging.
CTCA is performed to gain knowledge about cardiac or coronary anatomy and may detect or diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients. CTCA is safe, accurate and better tolerated by the patient than a conventional catheter angiogram.
The multi-disciplinary team within the radiology department is led by Dr Ramos, a dedicated CT clinical specialist radiographer, Teresa Kelly, and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sreeji Kurup, and also includes consultant radiologists, radiographers, and nursing staff.
L-R Aoife Mc Devitt, Radiographer, Karen Mc Cafferty, Integrated Cardiology Nurse, Susette Borland Service User, Dr. Manuel Ramos Consultant Cardiologist, Rachel Boylan Radiology Services Manager III, Allison Lecky, CT Clinical Applications Specialist, Teresa Kelly CT Clinical Specialist Radiographer, Sreeji Kurup Clinical Nurse Specialist, Grace Doherty Radiographer, Keith Mc Elchar Radiology Services Manager I
Seán Murphy, Hospital Manager, at LUH said, “The launch of the CTCA service at Letterkenny University Hospital marks a significant step forward in enhancing cardiac care for our community. This development means patients can now access advanced cardiac imaging locally, reducing the need for long-distance travel and enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment. I want to commend the dedication of Dr. Ramos and the entire multi-disciplinary team whose expertise and collaboration have made this vital service a reality.”
Susette Borland who is a user of the service said, “Having the CTCA service available here in Letterkenny has made a huge difference to me. Not having to travel all the way to Dublin for a scan saved me time, stress, and expense. The care I received from Dr. Ramos and the team was outstanding. They explained everything clearly and made me feel completely at ease. It’s a great relief knowing this kind of specialist service is now available locally.”
Patient Consultation L-R Dr. Manuel Ramos Consultant Cardiologist and Susette Borland service user
Rachel Boylan, Radiology Services Manager at LUH said, “I would like to thank all our team members that have contributed to and supported the re-establishment of the CTCA service locally. This is a result of continuous effort, planning, and patience. This service development has been a vision for a considerable time, alongside others, we continue our aim to evolve and grow services within the Radiology Department at LUH. LUH is planning to develop further services in the Department of Radiology and earlier this year three Consultant Radiologists were appointed and joined the team.
“The Radiology Department is proud to re-establish the delivery of this important service. Patients will have access to care and imaging locally and no longer need to travel to Dublin. Having the service locally will ensure more timely access to imaging resulting in improved patient outcomes and improved continuity of care combined with financial savings for both the patient and the hospital.”
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