South West Healthcare stroke liaison clinical nurse consultant Pat Groot has welcomed greater access to a potentially life-saving piece of medical equipment.
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The equipment is an insertable heart monitor, the size of a paper clip, that assists physicians in diagnosing an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation.
Previously, the only technology capable of this was an externally worn device which detected abnormal rhythms for 24 hours. The new pint-sized monitor has now been listed on the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Mr Groot said the monitor would help pick up more atrial fibrillation through detecting blood clots.
“It’s all very well researched and supported by the stroke foundation so it’s very positive,” he said.