1621 Dufferin Cres. is the new location for the Nanaimo Heart Foundation Clinic, a service which has seen an increase in use in the past couple of years. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

more resources

Expanded heart health clinic opens near Nanaimo hospital

Dec 6, 2022 | 4:57 PM

NANAIMO — Additional resources for people with heart health issues have opened in the region.

An expansion, and subsequent relocation of the Nanaimo Heart Foundation Clinic, operated by Island Health, officially opened on Monday, Dec. 5 at its new location at 1621 Dufferin Cres., next to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Sarah Currie, a lead heart function nurse at the clinic said they’ve seen a doubling of people accessing services over the last two years.

“Our multi-disciplinary team of three physicians, three nurses, a pharmacist, social worker and support staff sees close to 600 patients per year to help them live better quality and longer lives with their heart failure condition.”

Three additional exam rooms and more space for patients are among the features of the new location.

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A meeting room is also available and Island Health said planning is underway to run educational clinics from the site based around self-care topics like nutrition and exercise, as well as medication options.

Greg Gunness has used the clinic for seven years following a heart attack when he was 63.

Regular scans of his heart and consultations with doctors and nurses help manage his condition.

“I have so much gratitude for the wonderful staff at the clinic who are like family to me,” Gunness said. “I see how hard they work and how cramped their current space is to work in. I am really happy they are getting a new facility that will improve their work environment.”

Over 4,000 people in the Island Health authority are diagnosed with heart failure every year.

It’s hoped better diagnostic tools and practices will help patients avoid more serious outcomes.

Island Health noted patients looking to access the new clinic must first get a referral from the primary care provider.

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