“The decision to cease interventional procedures is prudent and in the best interests of the community,” said Dr Chris Larkin, Mayo Private Medical Advisory Committee Chair said.

“Patient safety and clinical best practice governs care the hospital provides.”

The impact of the decision is that private patients will now have to travel to alternative cardiac catheterisation laboratories to undergo stent insertion or other interventional procedures. According to the hospital’s operator Healthe Care, that includes Lingard Private Hospital in Merewether and John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

The decision follows a voluntary, independent review by Professor Gerard Carroll, commissioned by Healthe Care.

The subsequent report recommendations “identify the need for access to interventional cardiac peer support, accessible only in hospitals beyond our immediate catchment,” said Healthe Care chief medical officer, Dr Stephen Nolan.

“That is why from October 26, we have committed to helping patients transfer to alternate and appropriate care to ensure their safety is not compromised, and without complication,” Dr Nolan said.

“Although Mayo Private will no longer provide interventional procedures, we are focused on working collaboratively with all stakeholders and clinical teams – both public and private – to ensure our services are provided in accordance with all recommendations of the report.”

Diagnostic services, including cardiac angiographies will continue to be available at the hospital.

NSW Health this year also acted to review cardiology services in the Hunter New England Health District (HNELHD). The Mayo Private Hospital was included in the review of independent cardiologist, Dr Brian Bailey from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Dr Bailey also cited the need for additional peer support at Mayo Private Hospital if HNELHD were to enter into an agreement with Healthe Care to treat public patients at Mayo Private Hospital.

“There would need to be meaningful involvement of at least one additional interventional cardiologist with an appointment at a tertiary hospital and continuing medical monitoring of the facility’s safety and performance,” Dr Bailey said.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead attended the official opening of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory in October 2014.

Commenting on the decision to cease cardiac intervention procedures, Mr Bromhead said “patient safety must always be at the forefront of decisions made in the health system, whether public or private.”

He said he would “continue to work with HNELHD and Healthe Care to attract more specialist medical services for the Myall Lakes electorate.”

Last week, HNELHD chief executive officer Michael DiRienzo ruled out the inclusion of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory as part of the Manning Hospital redevelopment.

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