The Vitalité Health Network has launched a drive through service for patients with a pacemaker.
The remote clinic is located in the parking lot of the St. Pat’s Family Centre.
Cardiologist, Dr. Luc Cormier says it’s intended to eliminate the backlog that has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
“We have accumulated a backlog of approximately 400 patients, and that number certainly wasn’t going to decrease amid the pandemic. Therefore, we came up with the idea of using the CareLink Express Mobile technology, which allows for cardiac monitoring of the patient while maintaining physical distancing measures,” says Dr. Cormier.
He says patients will be handed a Bluetooth device and asked to place it over their pacemaker.
Depending on the information received, the patient will either go back home or see a cardiologist.
Dr. Cormier says the service is currently only available for patients with a Medtronic pacemaker, which represents about 80% of their patients.
While this is a temporary project, Dr. Cormier admits that the idea of a permanent set-up can be considered if everything goes smoothly over the next few days.
