Time spent on echocardiogram waiting list slashed to three months

The amount of time patients spend waiting for an echocardiogram has over the last few years been slashed from three years to three months, health minister Chris Fearne announced this morning as he unveiled a new echo ultrasound machine.

The new device was donating by the NGO Beating Hearts, which is aimed primarily at supporting the needs of parents with children born with a congenital heart defect.

“About 1,000 echoes are performed every month at Mater Dei Hospital,” Fearne said, praising the cardiology team for their achievements and for they way in which they managed to reduce the waiting list.

Fearne also thanked Beating Hearts for their gesture, which he said was making a difference in people’s lives.

Beating Hearts started off as a support group spearheaded by Katrina Aquilina and her husband, following the birth of their son, who suffered from a uni-ventricular heart and was diagnosed with a condition called Tricuspid Atresia.