Caring for hearts in Goulburn Valley
Like many rural and regional areas, Goulburn Valley is growing. More people are moving for work, as well as for the sense of community and regional lifestyle.
Dr Jennifer Coller is the Clinical Director of Cardiology at Goulburn Valley Health’s Shepparton Hospital. She too moved to the area for the way of life, taking up her role after completing placements at metropolitan and regional hospitals.
'There is a feeling of community,' explains Dr Coller of why she chose Goulburn Valley. She particularly enjoys the relationships she has built with patients and peers alike. 'It's an easy place to make connections.'
Heart disease is the single leading cause of death for Australians. Access to heart health services closer to home is vital in keeping regional communities healthy.
The Victorian Government has funded replacement cardiology equipment at Shepparton Hospital. This means Dr Coller can now diagnose and treat patients onsite.
Early intervention gets to the heart of the matter
Like many diseases, early intervention makes a difference when it comes to heart health.
Dr Coller recalls treating a patient who was experiencing increased breathlessness. Having the latest equipment available, Dr Coller was able to diagnose them with a leaky valve. To find out if it was severe enough to cause the patient to be out of breath, a closer look at their heart was needed.