AS one piece of life-changing cardiac technology has arrived at Cairns Hospital, organisers have already announced their next major target from the Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge.
When seconds matter in a cardiac emergency, it’s not just the skill of clinicians that counts – it’s the technology guiding their decisions in real time.
That’s where a $250,000 cardiac monitoring system, recently installed in Cairns Hospital’s Cardiology department, is making a difference. Funded by hundreds of riders in the annual Cardiac Challenge hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, the new ComboLab system is helping specialists detect and treat abnormal heart rhythms with greater precision.
And the Foundation has announced a $3.7 million Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Angiography Project as its latest cardiac fundraising target.
Cairns Hospital Director of Cardiology Dr Steve Sutcliffe said patients receiving treatment would not see the screens or hear the data being analysed. But behind the scenes, the ComboLab technology was capturing clearer, more detailed electrical signals from the heart – giving the Electrophysiologist and Cardiac Catheter Lab team a more accurate picture of what’s happening.
“That means clinicians can identify problem areas faster, guide treatment more precisely, and reduce the time patients spend undergoing complex cardiac procedures,” Dr Sutcliffe said.
“For people experiencing arrhythmias, that can translate to safer interventions, shorter procedures, and a quicker path to recovery.”
The software system is one of many purchased for cardiac services in the 19 years the ride has been occurring – ranging from diamond drills to ultrasounds, chest compression devices, a large contribution to the second cardiac catheter laboratory, cardiac outreach vehicle and equipment, portable cardiology monitors, echocardiogram carts, cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment, lung function testing equipment, endobronchial ultrasound to name just a few.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the new system was yet another example of cyclists supporting the cardiology team to deliver high-quality care to Far North Queensland patients, closer to home.
“As this year is our 20th, we’re delighted to be able to see the benefits of this equipment continuing to support patients throughout the Far North,” Mrs Hogan said.
And the Foundation is equally excited about another tangible project to fundraise for – the CT Angiography Project. “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service which is contributing $1 million and the Foundation has already committed a further $1 million from funds previously raised for cardiac services. We are now asking the community to help raise the remaining $1.7 million needed for this equipment,” she said.
Dr Sutcliffe said the new CT service would provide clinicians with additional diagnostic information for patients presenting to the Emergency Department with chest pain, helping inform decisions about further treatment and care, as well as an important diagnostic tool for inpatients and outpatients with ongoing cardiac conditions.
He added that the Townsville University Hospital did not currently have a dedicated cardiac CT service, putting FNQ ahead of its southern counterpart when the money is raised and equipment installed.
“If you are having a heart attack you will go straight to the cardiac catheter laboratory, but if you present and have a blood test which shows no heart attack, an ECG that shows no heart attack but you’re still experiencing chest pain, we can investigate that further,” Dr Sutcliffe said.
“This equipment will alleviate the wait in the Emergency Department and also the wait for patients undergoing cardiac investigations,” he said.
The Foundation’s partnership with Australian Retirement Trust and the Foundation’s social enterprises, 100 percent of funds raised by Cardiac Challenge participants go directly towards improving cardiac services in Far North Queensland, helping ensure patients have access to world-class treatment close to home.
Australian Retirement Trust’s General Manager Commercial Relationships Patrick Twomey, who is looking forward to participating in his third event, reflected on its spirit and Australian Retirement Trust’s continued support.
“We’re proud to have sponsored the event since 2020, and excited to support the event in its milestone 20th year as the Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge,” Mr Twomey said.
“This year also marks the fourth year our team has participated in the riding challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding for us to see the impact the funds raised for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation have on increasing access to vital health services in these communities and improving regional health outcomes,” he said.
• The 2026 Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge is an annual bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown and will be held September 19-21. Find out more at www.cardiacchallenge.com.au
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service director of cardiology (and cyclist) Dr Steve Sutcliffe.
